Pake County’s Pause in the Park brings vendors, rescues and pet-care demonstrations despite rain

Pake County’s annual Pause in the Park took place Oct. 11 at Hawthorne's Goffelberrook Park, bringing vendors, animal rescues and pet-care demonstrations to the community despite rainy weather. A presenter for one sponsor said the group remained on site to provide supplies and services to pet owners.

The event matters to local pet owners and small businesses because it combines adoption opportunities with practical services, said a presenter. “We’re here sponsoring the event today at Paws in the Park and we’re here to uh help uh help out the animals, give them a home,” the presenter said, adding the group handed out “swag” such as dog-waste bags and flea combs and offered animal CPR and first-aid instruction.

Organizers and vendors described a mix of activities: a dog-photography business set up photo sets for attendees, props were used to demonstrate patrol and contact procedures, and a presenter highlighted a mounted-horse demonstration to show horses can work safely with the public. “Biggest thing that I wanted to show the public is that horses are friendly and they’re able to work with us with no problem,” the presenter said.

Event organizers said the gathering benefits the local economy and animal welfare groups by bringing customers to vendors and giving rescues a place to show animals available for adoption. “There’s also several rescues here. So, dogs and cats that are uh in need of homes are able to get uh homes when they’re here,” the presenter said. The presenter later called the organizing entity “excellent,” saying it both teaches community interaction and provides information on animal care.

An attendee opened the event with an invocation; organizers and participants emphasized that the program’s educational and adoption activities were the central purpose of the gathering. The event has been held in the community for about 12 to 15 years, organizers said, and continued its focus on connecting pets with adopters and sharing pet-care resources despite the rain.

Pause in the Park brought together local businesses, volunteers and rescues for outreach and adoptions; organizers said the format aims to combine vendor sales, public education and adoption opportunities in a single community event.