The Third Annual Pasco Pet Fest Returns to Land O’ Lakes, October 3
The Third Annual Pasco Pet Fest returns from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2015, at Florida Estates Winery – 25241 Highway 52, Land O’ Lakes, FL. 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. Over 80 vendors and rescues are scheduled to attend.
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 5 to 7 million companion animals enter shelters across the nation each year. This is putting a severe burden on shelters. 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, and to promote pet adoption and responsible pet ownership.
The event, with expected attendance of 1,000 to 2,000 people, is founded and organized by Trina Messano of Doggie Cakes and her husband Jason Longo, who also works at nearby Saint Leo University. For 2015, the proceeds will be donated to Pit Bull Happenings, Inc., a local nonprofit dog rescue group. Many other rescue groups will be present with their adoptable pets and message.
Frank “The Geezer” Hewlett, a musician who performs hits from the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s, will reprise his role as entertainer and master of ceremonies. Jason Longo is a big fan and shared, “Attendees bring blankets and lawn chairs, and spend the day much to the credit of Frank’s good music and commentary.”
Students and parents from Anclote High School in Tarpon Springs are returning for their third year as volunteers. Trina Messano stated, “Without our volunteers, putting on an event of this magnitude with so much attention to detail would not be possible.”
Wine tastings will be offered for $20 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, as well as $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.
The event is free to attend, including parking. Pasco Pet Fest is sponsored by Doggie Cakes; Leadership Pasco; Pet Supplies Plus, New Port Richey; Reeves Subaru; IERNA’s Heating and Cooling; Verizon FiOS; Proly, Laporte & Mulligan, P.A.; The May Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors; Watermill Express; Jason Longo – Celestial Studios; TTPM.com; The New Barker, and Tampa Bay Times. In addition to sponsors, many advertisers and donors of raffle prizes contributed to the cause.
“Pasco Pet Fest has become a tradition. The first Saturday of every October when attendees come from as far as Orlando and Sarasota to enjoy a family- and pet-friendly day among shady oaks and serene cow pastures,” added Jason Longo.
Additional details about the event can be found at www.PascoPetFest.com and social media at hashtag #PascoPetFest. The website includes an enduring section of pet-friendly dog parks, events, attractions, restaurants, accommodations, and animal welfare organizations in Pasco County.
