Dog costume and treat stacking contests and a drive around the park make up Woofstock
Before virtual reality became the way of pandemic life in 2020, the committee working on the largest annual fundraiser for the Kansas Humane Society had developed several tagline concepts to support a cyberpunk theme this year.
“We were kinda going back and forth on a couple different taglines in January, and then COVID-19 hit in March and we realized ‘furtual reality’ was going to work out really well,” said Ericka Goering, director of marketing and communications for Wichita’s largest privately-funded, nonprofit animal shelter organization that last year cared for nearly 16,000 pets through pet adoption, spay/neuter services for pets of low-income families and other services.
It wasn’t until July that organizers decided ongoing COVID-19 concerns meant they could not hold their traditional one-day event that has drawn as many as 10,000 people and their pets to Sedgwick County Park. They settled on a hybrid model that offers a week of online activities culminating with a virtual walk and a drive-thru option at the park.
“It has been a really difficult year for the Kansas Humane Society,” Goering said. “We had our doors closed to the public out of safety concerns for a little over a month and that did impact our adoptions and our donations. We have major donors who aren’t unable to help as much as they normally would, understandably, because of the economy. But the need is still there. Our community has many homeless animals that need shelter, medical care, food, and those things don’t change just because we’re in this crisis right now.”
Here’s what to expect and how to participate in Woofstock 2020:
1. Week of Woofstock on Facebook: To build excitement and give those who can’t participate in the drive-thru an alternative, there will be a daily contest or prompt posted on the Kansas Humane Society Facebook page: costume contest on Monday, share your trick video on Tuesday, snoot stack challenge on Wednesday and bad pet drawings on Thursday, which offers anyone who donates $20 or more to post a photo of their pet and receive a hilariously poorly drawn rendition in return.
Other online ways to support the event include a photo contest, buying event merchandise and an auction that is already open for bidding and runs through Oct. 5.
2. Virtual Woof Walk: Two years ago organizers debuted this option to give people and their pets a chance to exercise earlier in the morning before Woofstock started. This year you’re asked to walk 1 to 2 miles on a suggested route they’ll send when you register or choose your own route. There’s a registration fee and participants are encouraged to start or join a fundraising team. Use the ResQwalk free mobile app when you walk so the nonprofit gets additional money.
The Humane Society is suggesting you do the walk on Friday, Oct. 2. The $30 registration includes VIP access to the drive-thru event the next day, plus a Woof Walk T-shirt and a food voucher to replace the breakfast that was included with the in-person event.
3. Drive-thru Woofstock: Expect to spend 30 to 45 minutes slowly driving through Sedgwick County Park collecting goodies for you and your dog from more than 40 vendors stationed at booths throughout the route. The one-way route is open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, accessible only from the south entrance off 13th Street.
You’ll get an event guide when you enter that has information on the booths as well as raffles, contests and activities such as a scavenger hunt that your passengers can participate in while riding.
Registration options per vehicle are $10 standard entry, $20 VIP (option to enter as early as 10 a.m. plus guaranteed swag of one T-shirt, tote bag and bandana) or a $30 package that includes VIP drive-thru access plus registration for virtual Woof Walk. You can register online at kshumane.org/woofstock/ through Friday, Oct. 2, after that you’ll need to pay at the entrance.
Goering said they want Woofstockers to get a good value for their registration and donations to the Kansas Humane Society, so expect to leave loaded up with toys and treats for you and your pets: tennis balls, frisbees, leashes, bandanas, supplies to make your own enrichment toys at home and a kids vet clinic to go bag that includes a stuffed puppy and gear for kids to practice a veterinarian health check.
One of the most popular booths in recent years has been Cosmic Pet, the Wichita-based toy maker formerly known as Hyper Pet, selling high quality toys for $1 to $2 each. The toys are back this year, and they’re free. Woofstock entry also includes a vaccination (Bordetella/distemper/parvovirus) and microchip clinic for up to two dogs per vehicle while supplies last.
The only time you’ll need money once on the route, Goering said, will be if you purchase from food vendors. New Life Nutrition, Kona Ice, Paranormal Eggsperience, Barrel Boys BBQ, The Rolling Greek and Peace Love & Pie will be parked in one area taking orders while you remain in your vehicle.
The Woofstock tradition of owners and pets dressing in costume is still encouraged. Bring your dogs along for the ride, just remember to prepare them for not getting out of the vehicle during the drive; staying in your vehicle is critical to the event complying with Sedgwick County gathering limits.
Woofstock
What: 24th annual Woofstock canine celebration and fundraiser for Kansas Humane Society
Where: Online and at Sedgwick County Park, 13th Street entrance only
When: Monday through Saturday, Oct. 3
Admission: Most online activities are free; Virtual Woof Walk and Drive-thru Woofstock registration ranges from $10-$30
More info: kshumane.org/woofstock/
This story was originally published September 25, 2020 at 5:01 AM.