ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – This weekend, a new event is bringing animal lovers and their furry friends to the U.P. State Fairgrounds in Escanaba.
The UP Pet Festival is taking place Saturday and Sunday at the Miracle of Life building. The event features nearly 40 vendors—including vets, kennels, pet photographers, and treat and toy manufacturers—catering to animals from dogs and cats to Angora rabbits.
D&D Dog Dynamics is the presenter of the inaugural UP Pet Festival. President and Head Trainer Sammi Grzybowski says until now, people looking for an event like this would have to travel to Wisconsin or downstate. She says the UP Pet Festival is an opportunity for professionals to network and for owners to find new resources for their pets.
“We really want to take and build those strong foundational relationships throughout different animal-related businesses in the community,” said Grzybowski. “Sometimes, you don’t really know without seeking out that information, so it’s bringing a lot of people into one place and getting more of that access of knowledge to more people.”
Other UP Pet Festival highlights include “Meet the Breed” demonstrations, where vendors educate attendees on types of dogs, from Australian shepherds to French bulldogs. There is also a full schedule of obedience, nose work, agility, and other demonstrations under the tent behind the Miracle of Life building. K9 units from Escanaba Public Safety and the Menominee County Sheriff’s Office are also onsite performing demonstrations and meeting guests.
The UP Pet Festival continues until 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 8, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 9. The cost to attend is $5, and children 12 and under will be admitted for free. Pets are welcome to attend, but owners must provide proof of vaccinations and sign a waiver.
The UP Pet Festival is sponsored by D&D Dog Dynamics, SignUP Graphics, Martin Tents & More, Bay de Noc Kennel Club, Canine Crumpets, and Golden Acre Kennels. Visit dandddogdynamics.com or the UP Pet Festival Facebook page for more information on the event.
