Pasco Pet Fest, Saturday, October 5

Pasco Pet Fest will occur on Saturday, October 5, 2013 at Florida Estates Winery – 25241 Highway 52, Land O’ Lakes, FL from 11 to 3. Attendees of this pet-friendly, free event will enjoy wine tasting, music, food, vendors, adoptable pets, and a silent auction/raffle in a beautiful Pasco County setting.

Five to seven million companion animals enter shelters across the nation each year, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. This is putting a severe burden on shelters as they too are affected by the economic downturn. A goal of Pasco Pet Fest is to help local pet rescue groups to nurture and find permanent, loving homes for homeless and abused pets.

The event, with expected attendance of 1,000 to 2,000 people, was created and organized by Trina Messano and Jason Longo, of Doggie Cakes to offer a pet-friendly festival to Pasco County. For 2013, the proceeds will be donated to Pit Bull Happenings, a local non-profit dog rescue group. Many other rescue groups will be present with their adoptable pets, need for foster families, and message.

Musicians John Shipe, Joe Cirino, and Jennifer Johnson are generously donating their time and talents to perform. . Artist, Lars-Erik Robinson of LarsER Arts will entertain the crowd while drawing caricatures or people and their pets. Children of all ages will be pleased that the South Florida Ghostbusters will be out in full force with fun, games and of course ghost busting to entertain the crowd and raise funds for this event’s charity.

Wine tastings will be offered for $15 per person with a large portion of the proceeds being donated directly to the charity. Donations from the Florida Estates Winery will also include all tips, and $1 for each bottle or .50¢ per glass sold. Licensed and leashed pets are always permitted on the grounds and interior of the winery, which is open seven days a week.

Additional details about the event can be found at www.PascoPetFest.com. The website includes an enduring section of pet-friendly dog parks, events, attractions, restaurants, accommodations, and animal welfare organizations in Pasco County.