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Furry Fall Fun: The SPCA's Inaugural Fall Fest

November 4, 2024

What an incredible day! Our first-ever SPCA Fall Fest at the scenic North Fork Discovery Park was a day to remember, and we’re still beaming from all the smiles, tail wags, and laughs. We welcomed around 500 guests and their beloved pups for a full day of family fun, food, music, and heartwarming moments that brought our community together in the spirit of animal rescue.


Our goal was to create an event that had something for everyone, and we’re thrilled that so many families, kids, and furry friends could join us. The vendor booths were a hit, with 32 vendors bringing everything from artisanal treats to pet accessories. And of course, Twisted Biscuit, Maresca’s Coffee Counter, and Vegan Comforts Soul Food kept everyone fueled with delicious bites throughout the day. 


Whether it was a stroll through the vendor stalls, game playing, or a photo op with our animal rescue partners, there was no shortage of things to do. In addition to all the food and shopping, our furry friends had the chance to steal the show in the Doggie Pie-Eating Contest and the ever-popular Doggie Costume Contest. We saw some fantastically creative costumes, and the enthusiasm was contagious—our panel of judges certainly had their work cut out for them!


Adding to the festive atmosphere, Tara Mills Music and tunes from 106.1 The Corner brought everyone together in celebration. The mix of good music, good company, and good causes was simply unbeatable.

Of course, Fall Fest 2024 wasn’t just about fun—it was also about finding homes for animals in need. Thanks to the support of our community, 22 animals found loving homes that day, including 9 on-site adoptions. Seeing the smiles of new pet parents and the wagging tails of their new family members is what drives our mission every day. To every adopter, thank you for opening your hearts and homes!


Pulling off an event like this wouldn’t have been possible without our incredible team of 25+ staff members and 30+ volunteers working tirelessly behind the scenes. We’re deeply grateful to each of them for their time, dedication, and passion. To all the vendors, rescue partners, community organizations, and our gracious hosts at North Fork Discovery Park, thank you for making Fall Fest unforgettable.


And most importantly, to every family, friend, supporter, and pet who attended, thank you for being part of this special day. Whether you stopped by to say hello, browsed our vendor booths, took part in the contests, or simply enjoyed the autumn day, your presence made a world of difference. Fall Fest 2024 was only the beginning, and we can’t wait to bring even more fun, love, and joy to next year’s festivities.


Thank you for helping us make this dream event come true and for supporting the SPCA’s mission to create a better life for animals and a stronger bond within our community. To stay updated on all our upcoming events, visit caspca.org/events and sign-up for our newsletters here!


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The Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA is a non-profit animal shelter and community resource center located at 3355 Berkmar Drive in Charlottesville, Virginia. Established in 1914, CASPCA is proud to have served our community and their animals for over 100 years.

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