Encourage pets to wear costumes for the parade festivities.
Animal lovers in your community will come together for an animal parade festival, giving them the opportunity to socialize with their furry friends. Whether these festivals are for entertainment or a fundraising effort --- or both --- they will be a hit with animal lovers and their pets. Local businesses can get involved as well. An animal parade festival is a family-friendly community event that can raise money for a worthy cause.
Activities
Your animal parade festival can include many activities that delight human guests and their furry friends alike. For the parade, you can encourage guests to come in costume. Award trophies for "best-dressed pet" and "pet-owner lookalike contest" for your guests in the most creative get-ups. Encourage guests to make miniature, pet-sized floats for the parade as well. Before or after the parade, host other contests for the pets, such as biggest pet, smallest pet and best kisser.
Sponsors
Sponsors can help cut costs at your animal parade festival. Whether you're hosting a fundraiser or simply a community event, this is important. Reach out to local businesses to help sponsor your animal parade festival. Look for animal-specific businesses in particular. A pet store, dog bakery or veterinarian's office might be happy to make a donation to the festival in exchange for a booth. Businesses can offer more information about their pet services during the festival, which can turn into an effective advertising opportunity.
Fund-Raising Opportunities
If your nonprofit organization, such as the local humane society or a pet rescue organization, is hosting the animal parade festival, you can use it to raise funds. Charge a modest entry fee --- less than $5 --- for pets entering the parade. Set up donation jars throughout the event. Host contests where pets and their owners pay a $1 fee to enter. Collect pet-friendly raffle prizes from local businesses, such as gift cards to pet stores or bags of dog and cat food, and sell raffle tickets to raise funds.
Benefits
An animal parade festival can benefit both the hosts and the participants. Organizations hosting the event can raise money --- or just awareness --- for their cause. Local pet-related businesses can interact with potential customers. Community pet owners can socialize with each other, and pets can get some much-needed socialization. Ultimately, such an event can provide entertainment for everyone involved.
Tags: animal parade festival, parade festival, animal parade, community event, furry friends, local businesses