Pet vendors will line Main Street in Ligonier this August for the annual Bark in the Boro Pet Fair.
Ligonier Paws On Main Street, a locally owned store for pet lovers, will host the fair for the third year in partnership with the Ligonier Valley Chamber of Commerce.
From noon until 4 p.m. on Aug. 18, vendors will include veterinarians, trainers, treat makers, crafters and more on East and West Main streets.
Angel Tunstall, owner of Ligonier Paws On Main Street, pitched the idea to the chamber amid the growth of pet owners in the area.
“We have become a community of pet owners that is much more exposed,” she said.
She drew inspiration from New York City’s street fairs and wanted to bring a similar event to the Ligonier community.
“It just overwhelms me because of the support of the community, of the county,” Tunstall said. “It is just a wonderful sight to see so many that are involved and wanting to do what’s good for their own pet in their lives.”
The first 100 visitors at the Ligonier Valley Chamber of Commerce table, which will be located in front of Ligonier Town Hall, will receive free swag bags, according to April Kinzler, assistant store manager at Ligonier Paws On Main Street.
There also will be a paw print art booth, where people can bring their dog to make art pieces with their unique paw prints, she said.
“Ligonier is a very dog-friendly community,” Kinzler said. “A lot of our merchants are also very dog-friendly.”
Other attractions at the fair will include Red Carpet Bandstand Pet Photos by Julie Muir Photography and dog activities sponsored by All American Agility and L&L Dog Training, in conjunction with B&D Creekside Activity Center.
“A lot of new vendors are stepping up now,” Tunstall said. “It’s growing — people are getting the word out.”
She encouraged even those who aren’t pet owners to come check out the event, as it’s an opportunity to research for anyone interested in getting a pet.
“It’s such a beautiful sight to see,” she said in anticipation. “It just makes my heart happy.”
