Winter Woofstock Announces Schedule & Hosts

Woofstock, the largest and most unique festival for dogs and their owners in North America, is going into holiday mode for a weekend-long winter festival and doggie-themed shopping extravaganza where dogs and their owners can party and shop 'til they drop. And, of course, meet Santa. It's all happening November 19 and 20 in the Direct Energy Centre, Halls C and D, at Exhibition Place in Toronto..

People dote on their dogs, especially at Christmas.
Over forty per cent of households own at least one dog and indulge them like family, especially at Christmas, with three quarters of the four-footed family members getting gifts. It's not always easy to find the perfect treat or toy or little luxury for the dog that has it all. So Woofstock is joining forces with Santa and making the most of the festive season for dogs and their peeps.

Rotweilers as Rudolph?
Prepare for pugs in parkas, terriers in toques and boxers in booties. This is the chance for furry fashionistas to "put on the dog" and strut the "dog-walk" sporting selections from the latest toasty doggie winter fashion lines while fashion forward pooches compete for best costume.
Woofstock will also be scouting for charismatic canines to put their best paw forward in the highly popular "Ms. and Mr. Canine Canada Contest as well as the "Stupid Dog Tricks Contest." Breakfast with Santa and Rescue Me Winter Games offer a winter morning for canines to really enjoy. Two-legged attendees can even find a furry friend to adopt from Toronto Animal Services.

"Wiener Dog Races" and the "Running of the Pugs"
Sportier types can ruff it up in grr-ueling events like Woofstock's "Wiener Dog Race" where dachshunds race towards the finish line and short and chubby pugs snort their way to the grand prize in the "Running of the Pugs."

Christmas Canines
Just like the summer Woofstock festival last June that drew over 260,000 people, there will be lots of fun, with over 160 vendors offering everything from holly-scented spray for dogs to reversible Santa/elf suits with pom pom hood. Included among the doggie gifts on offer are gourmet holiday cookies, custom collars, doggie treadmills, winter wilderness jackets, red and green glitter gel to add sparkle to Rover's coat and antler chews (shed from real deer), plus hundreds more unique items.

Mark Breslin and Richard Ryder bring on the yuks
Mark Breslin, Canada's most famous impresario and the genius behind Yuk Yuk's, the world's largest chain of Comedy Clubs, and PROUDFM morning show host Richard Ryder, will take to the stage to keep the crowd laughing with their quick wit and irreverent humour. They'll of course be ready to be hounded by their tough four-footed audience as well.

VIP Canines "Paws" for their close-up at the Exclusive Woofstock VIP Lounge
Posh pooches can take a break in a luxurious dog haven otherwise known as the VIP Lounge (for Very Important Pooches) while they wait for their close-up. Here cool canines and their power-shopping owners can take a few moments to catch their breath in a magnificent lounge with crystal chandeliers, leather couches, and of course specially designated VIP doggie cushions.

The full schedule of events is below.
WINTER WOOFSTOCK SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Events run both days: Saturday November 19 and Sunday November 20

Saturday Host: Richard Ryder
Sunday Host: Mark Breslin

o 10:00 a.m. Breakfast with Santa (Bullwrinkles Event Arena): Cute canines strike a pose with the jolly gent in red and receive a small gift.

o 11:30 a.m. Rescue Me Winter Games (Bullwrinkles Event Arena)
Dogs and their owners bond as they play and compete in a variety of fun and interactive skill and confidence building Rescue Me Winter Games suitable for dogs of all ages and all sizes.

o 11: 50 a.m. Toronto Animal Services Dog Adoption (Main Stage)
Winter Woofstock visitors will be able to meet dogs available for adoption through the Toronto Animal Services which shelters abandoned dogs.

o 12:05 p.m. Woofstock Fashion Show - (Main Stage,)
Lively four-footed models will sport selections from the latest toasty doggie fashion lines to equip them for icy winds or holiday parties.

o 12:20 p.m. Toronto Animal Services Dog Adoption (Main Stage)

o 12:30 p.m. Stupid Dog Tricks Contest (Main Stage)
Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks? This contest features dogs who exhibit a quirky talent or ability. It's their moment to shine, to put their best foot, er paw, forward and win the recognition they deserve.

o 1:00 p.m. Ms. & Mr. Canine Canada Pageant (Main Stage)
Limelight hogs (let's make that "dogs") who exude exceptional canine charisma can compete for the crown in the Ms. and Mr. Canine Canada Pageant.

o 2:00 p.m. Best Costume Contest (Main Stage)
Rotweilers as Rudolph. Shi-Tzu's as snowflakes. Airedales as angels. Dogs dressed to the canines channel their alter egos.

o 2:30 p.m. Toronto Animal Services Dog Adoption (Main Stage)

Saturday November 19 Only:
o 3:00 p.m. Bullwrinkles Wiener Dog Races (Bullwrinkles Event Arena): Dachshunds galumph towards the finish line vying for the prize: a whack of Bullwrinkle pizzles.

Sunday November 20 Only:
o 3:00 p.m. Bullwrinkles Running of the Pugs (Bullwrinkles Event Arena): Lightning fast pugs make a dash for the Bullwrinkle pizzles.

o 5:00p.m. The Toronto Marlies - Take Your Dog to the Game (Ricoh Coliseum)
Woofstock and the Toronto Marlies Professional Hockey Club have teamed up to give owners and their pooches a chance to purchase tickets to watch the Toronto Marlies take on the Peoria Rivermen on Sunday, November 20 at Ricoh Coliseum.
WINTER WOOFSTOCK - A Festival for Dogs
Saturday, November 19 and Sunday, November 20, 2011
10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Halls C and D in the Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place
ADMISSION: $10 at the door or $8 in advance online at www.winterwoofstock.com
$5 for seniors; children under 12 are free accompanied by an adult.

Full info at www.winterwoofstock.com Woofstock Info Line: 416.234.WOOF (416.234.9663)

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