Walt Disney World creates family fun at Orlando’s Paws in the Park fundraiser, festival

Love animals? Join Walt Disney World and other sponsors of Orlando’s Paws in the Park on Valentine’s Day weekend for some family fun that includes your furry babies.

On Saturday, Feb. 13, the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando hosts its annual event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lake Eola. Paws in the Park includes a pet walk, food trucks, vendors, demonstrations, agility contests and a kid zone from Walt Disney World. The centerpiece of the annual event is the dog walk that serves as a fundraiser for homeless pets and other initiatives of the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando.

Registration is ongoing now. Participants can join as packs (a group of people who commit to raising at least $500 total) or as individuals for $10 each. Walkers can even register the day of the event and do not have to have dogs accompany them to participate. All registrants receive admission to Splash Dogs Dock Diving, the Doggie Fun Zone and the Canine Sports Arena at the event.

There is no minimum fundraising requirement for individuals, but incentives are given for collecting amounts from $25 to $1,000. They include such prizes as dog bandanas, Wolfgang Bakery dog biscuits, event T-shirts, car magnets, sports water bottle, drawstring backpack, and six-month and one-year supplies of Frontline Plus. (Registration fees count toward fundraising totals.)

Packs and individuals are encouraged to attend a “pre-registration” event at the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando, 2727 Conroy Road, Orlando, FL 32839 from noon to 7 p.m. Feb. 10 to turn in donations they have collected and pick up their prizes.

This year’s top individual fundraiser will win a two-night stay at a Walt Disney World hotel for two people and two theme-park tickets with the Park Hopper option for two days. (The prize is valued at $1,470.)

The walk begins at 9 a.m. with registration at 8 a.m., and the other activities go until 1 p.m. On the main stage, visitors can see the following presentations beginning at 10:30 a.m.: “So You Think Your Dog is a Star?”, “Dogs with Jobs” and “Who Let the Dogs Out?” Families won’t want to miss the Disney Kids and Family Zone, presented by Walt Disney World, which has interactive activities everyone can enjoy. In addition, nationally recognized company Splash Dogs will offer dock-jumping competitions, and local pet resort Happy Paws hosts a Canine Sports area.

Entrance to park is free, but there is a charge to participate in the event activities. Those not joining the walk who would like to experience the other activities can purchase a $10 pass.

Vendors still have time to apply for a spot at the festival; the deadline is Feb. 3. All documents and fees must be received by the Pet Alliance in order for a vendor to be considered confirmed. Vendors can expect an anticipated crowd of more than 12,000 visitors for Paws in the Park.

Sponsor WFTV offers these reminders:

** All pets must be at least 6 months old and have proof of vaccinations.
** Dogs only please. No female dogs in heat.
** Pets must wear a suitable collar.
** Keep your dogs on a 6-foot leash or shorter and under control at all times.
** Water for dogs will be supplied.
** Please be considerate and pick-up after your dog.
** For the enjoyment and safety of all participants, any aggressive animal will be asked to leave the park.
** Please obey all rules of Lake Eola. No swimming in the lake and no chasing the ducks or swans.

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