Woofstock A Doggone Good Time
by John Weckerle
Senior Animal Events Correspondent Wilson takes a crack at lure coursing...
Yesterday’s first annual Woofstock festival – a fundraiser for a new animal shelter sponsored by the Town of Edgewood, Petco, and the Estancia Valley Friends of Animals – in Edgewood brought pets, people, and vendors together for a fun-filled outdoor experience. The weather cooperated, with partly cloudy skies and reasonable temperatures, although it was beginning to heat up just a bit by about 11 a.m. Senior Animal Events Correspondent Wilson attended with your editor, ensuring that the day’s offerings got an expert assessment. He gave the lure coursing a try, and made numerous friends as we moseyed through the booths and attractions. Your editor stopped for a very well-executed chair massage by local massage therapist Beth Dennis, with proceeds donated to the shelter’s construction fund, and then purchased some raffle tickets from Edgewood Town Councilor Chuck Ring. We did not participate in the Dunk the Dogcatcher activities, although we did spy a rather wet-looking Vicky Murphy in the vicinity of the tank.
...and enjoys a well-earned dip to cool off.
A conversation with Mayor Bob Stearley revealed some interesting news – Edgewood plans to begin construction of the new Public Works on building on Section 16 within a year. Mr. Stearley indicated that this would be followed by a new police station, with new Town offices and other buildings further down the line.
The event boasted both live entertainment and a DJ, arts and craft vendors, a grooming station, chair massage, and food vendors in addition to the several, obviously professionally designed courses of various types. On the way out, your editor stopped at the Mariscos truck to pick up some lunch to take home. Many of us have seen this truck parked near NM 344 just north of I-40, and your editor has driven by it many times thinking “One of these days, I’m going to have to try them out.” Well, we’ve tried them out, and our readers can bet that this won’t be the last time. Your editor brought home shrimp tacos for himself, and chicken tacos for the non-shrimp eaters at New Mexico Central headquarters. The shrimp tacos were delicious, and the chicken tacos were the subject of complimentary remarks once they had disappeared.
Both New Mexico correspondents came away pleased, and we’re looking forward to next year’s event. A few more photos:
Numerous vendors were present, out in the open with canopies and in the pole barn.
The pole barn was a popular spot for vendors and those seeking a little shade.
Ever notice that some mountains look like familiar objects - dogs, a face looking upwards, etc.? Ever notice that South Mountain isn't one of them?
Aaahh... Chair massage.
The Goats Who Stare At Men take a break.