A newcomer’s first impressions of Petpalooza

Jonathan Glover is the Communications Manager at the City of Auburn. He loves pets and dogs and cats and turtles as much as the next guy. He’s just never been to Petpalooza before and he’s very sorry.

Something about me: I’ve never been to Petpalooza before, but it’s not my fault. I just didn’t live in Auburn at the time. Sorry about that.

Something else about me: For some reason I didn’t wear any sunscreen during the 3+ hours I was there taking photos and generally taking it all in. If that influences your opinion of me, I understand.

Alright, so this thing is big. Like, real big. Like, “wow I can’t believe I’m still walking and I haven’t seen the end of it” big. I knew it was at Game Farm Park, I just didn’t think it would be Game Farm Park.

Is that a bouncy house? A petting zoo? Oh, there’s food back here? Was that a turtle I just saw? Why do my feet hurt so much???

The first hour after I arrived at about 10 a.m. was more or less bemusement mixed with dog breath, cooked skin and the sound of a man explaining the difference between a crocodile and an alligator (the former is much bigger than the latter — clearly I was paying attention).

At the same time, a bunch of pigs raced around a track as children and families screamed in excitement. A few yards away, a dog darted over an obstacle course, then got distracted by his owner at the opposite end and said hello and didn’t want to leave and that was pretty cool.

Everyone loved that.

Have you ever seen a person kiss their dog on purpose for a crowd and panel of judges? I have, and it’s glorious.

I’ve also now seen a fair share of people who look exactly like their pups. On purpose, of course. Some of them on accident, I’m sure, but with style this fresh how can it not be intentional?

By hour three, which included a stop through the petting zoo where a particular child was having an emotional moment petting a chicken, I was about ready to check out the food options.

I’m vegan, and I’m aware how annoying that is, but what’s great about Petpalooza is even for someone like me, there was plenty to eat. Like corn, or fruit or grass (one dog was enjoying that for sure).

I saw plenty of people chowing down on a nice hotdog or gyro. Good for them, I thought.

So what did I think of my first Petpalooza? For one, it’s awesome. The weather was perfect, the pets were in it to win it, and the venue couldn’t be better.

Will I be back next year? You bet your peeling skin I will.

Before I left for the day to edit through nearly 800 photos I snapped, the James Coates Band started playing soothing and self-aware hits. Because it was early afternoon, the sun was harsh, meaning not many people were seated in the un-shaded stands before them. They didn’t mind.

“Good to see you guys up in the 300 level,” the lead singer said of the folks perched on a rock atop a hill. “There’s plenty of space down here.”

James Coates Band, next year, it’s me. I’ll be down there.