Branford Celebrates the Dog Days of Summer …and More

On the 45th anniversary of the great hippie festival, Woodstock, Branford had its own celebration, albeit a canine-inspired one. Music was a highlight as six bands took the stage throughout the day as the dogs got ready for the feature attraction of the day, the Woofstock Hippie Dog Costume Contest. 

It was all to benefit the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter and their efforts to care for homeless pets. The shelter’s tent collected donations and supplies and displayed posters of pets available for adoption. 

Billed as Woodstock: A Day of Peace and Music, the second annual event drew hundreds of pet-loving, music-loving people to the Branford Green Saturday, which turned out to be a perfect summer day. 

Cosgrove Shelter Director Laura Burban said Woodstock raised about $6,500 for the shelter. She said they knew after the first one last year that it would become an annual event. Planning started in January. Ken Engelman and Kristin Judd were part of the planning committee, along with Josh Lindblad, who coordinated the bands.

Engelman, (pictured), who originated the event last year, and was its chair this year, said he had 36 vendors this year compared to six last year. 

Many reflected the spirit of that original event. There were plenty of tie-dyed shirts, long dresses, peace signs, and ponytails. And there were flowers to fit the scene.

Among the vendors were those in the spirit of the day. 

And dogs were everywhere. All were remarkably well behaved! 

Here are Yorkies Dylan and Dagger.

And one distinguished senior pup. 

And here two big dogs watching over one little girl.

As well as a few snakes; they were a big hit.

And even a turtle, here scrutinized by a face-painted young lady.

Not to be forgotten was a kitty or two. 

Also not to be forgotten, Bill O’Brien’s dogs, Lilly and T.J., pictured here in the arms of Pat Mailhouse.

Various bands took the stage, including the Bobby Palau Band.

And a young man named Bobby Paltauf let go with some impressive riffs!

One young lady danced to the music using her hula hoop.

The vendors offered something for everyone – and their pets: Gourmet foods and treats, beautiful jewelry, pottery, glassware, artwork, pet training, kitty boarding.

Hippie Dog Contest Bit Hit

As the culmination of the festivities, the winners of the Woofstock Hippie Dog Costume Contest were announced by Burban. The top dog is the top photo above.

Here is the second place winner. 

Here is the third place winner. Laura Burban, the director of the animal shelter is to the right.

And here is this pup, all dressed up in green pants who won an honorable mention. Burban said Woofstock was a special day, especially for those folks who found a way to start the process to adopt a pet.
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