To celebrate National Love Your Pet Day, The LOOP (Las Olas Oceanside Park) on Fort Lauderdale Beach will host its Fourth Annual Fur the Love Pet Fest from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 25. Other highlights from a series of events include the Fourth Annual Spring Fling EGGstravaganza, More at The MKT, South Florida Reggae Month and more.
The Fourth Annual Fur the Love Pet Fest event is a celebration of Fort Lauderdale’s four-legged companions. Attendees are encouraged to don their best cowboy hats and boots for fun with their furry friends. The Fur The Love Pet Fest is set to be hosted by the award-winning duo consisting of a mother and her pup on Instagram @TourwithTeddy and a blog, “Living A Fairytail.” The event’s proceeds will fund future pet-friendly experiences at The LOOP in 2024, such as the Dog Days of Summer Movie Series, HOWLoween Pawty, and WONDERLAND’s Happy HOWL-iday events.
The event organizers are putting together a rodeo extravaganza that promises to keep attendees entertained with a rodeo roundup food court, vendors selling local goods for both people and pets, games and contests, photo opportunities, and surprises around every corner. The organizers encourage guests to dress up in theme to add to the festive atmosphere.
All-day experiences include:
- Ranch Roam Photo Zones: Strike gold and create Instagram magic at the various Ranch Roam photo zones. Groups can capture the spirit of the Wild West with themed backdrops and props to take home picture-perfect memories.
- Teddy’s Rodeo Round Up Food Court: Indulge in a roundup of classic cowboy bites and refreshing sips, including made-to-order BurgerFi burgers, protein-packed waffle breakfast sandwiches, mouthwatering BBQ, Tex-Mex tacos and more.
- K954 Dog Training Trailblazers Trail Run: Unleash some energy as pets conquer treadmills and agility courses, merging fitness with fun for a tail-wagging good time.
- The Pretty Nomad Well-Brimmed Hat Bar: Craft a frontier style and design a personalized cowboy hat, choosing from various styles and accessories.
- The Rounds 360° Rodeo Ring: Lasso up cowboy memories with furry friends in every spin at the 360° photo booth.
- Sheriff’s Sniff-Out Scavenger Hunt: Furry deputies and their companions follow pawprints around the Mercantile to win prizes from select vendors.
- Vetfield Animal Hospital Watering Hole: Saddle up to the pet hydration post, where furry amigos will find cool refreshments and generous giveaways to take on their frontier journey.
- W Fort Lauderdale Quick Draw Portrait Parlor: Enjoy complimentary* caricatures capturing pets’ unique charm with a touch of Wild West flair. *On a first come, first served basis.
Activities and entertainment:
- 12 to 3 p.m.: Tim Charron Band
- 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Yum Pup Chow-Down Contest
- 1 p.m.: Line Dancing Lessons
A people and pets marketplace will feature dozens of new and returning vendors, ranging from pet services to many pet and people clothing, food and accessories. Confirmed vendors to date include: Bonafide Therapy Dogs, Bulltug Company, Catskills Clothing Company, Dasenia Creations, Dog Training Elite, Dog Drop, Dogtopia of Fort Lauderdale, EloPetz, Fetch Pet Care Fort Lauderdale, Happy Dingos, Healthy Smiles Pet Dental, Hola From Lola, Icy Woof Pet Accessories, Jaffee Pops, K9 Resorts Pompano Beach, Kay’s Kollars & Bella Greens Dog Treats, Little Giants & Co., Moon Dog Barkery, Optimally Balanced, Patty’s Pet Foods, Paw Patrol Animal Rescue and Sanctuary, Paws Around the World, Pet Wants Fort Lauderdale, Pup & Away, Ruff House, Salon Bark, Snacks Homemade Treats, The Duty Mitt, The Pretty Nomad, Urbana Pet, Wag Around Town, Woof & Wag, Woofin-Good and Yum Pup.
For more information or to participate as a sponsor or vendor, please visit www.ftlpetfest.com.
The entire series of events includes:
South Florida Reggae Month Jam, Saturday, Feb. 24, 3 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
The Bad Boys of Reggae, Inner Circle, and Shaggy will join hands to commemorate over 50 years of reggae during South Florida Reggae Month with a series of events throughout February. On Saturday, Feb. 24, The LOOP is set to host live performances by renowned artists, including Ernie Smith, Paul Anthony, and many others. Attendees can relish live music with a stunning ocean view, indulge in delicious Caribbean food, and shop from various vendors. Those interested can follow @theloopflb for updates on performers and other announcements.
Fourth Annual Spring Fling EGGstravaganza | Sunday, March 24, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Fourth Annual Spring Fling EGGstravaganza is primarily sponsored by the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Beach Improvement District. It offers a delightful experience for all, with activities such as three egg hunts for different age groups, a Children’s Craft Corner that celebrates Youth Art Month and National Craft Month, live music, and various contests and games. Attendees can also take photos with the Easter bunny and visit the farmers market for picnic supplies on the lawn. This event is a perfect opportunity for families to have fun while celebrating community spirit.
- The MKT, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Shop and stroll local vendors displaying an eclectic selection of art, clothing, jewelry, home goods, pet supplies, body care and more. Following the egg hunt, local food vendors will have all the items to purchase for a picnic to enjoy on the main lawn.
- Egg Hunt ‘Scramble,’ 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Children 13 and under are encouraged to bring an Easter basket and gather on the main lawn at 10 a.m. for The LOOP’s egg hunt countdown. The egg hunt will be divided into three approximate starting times. Children under five will begin at 10 a.m., children ages six to nine will start at 10:30 a.m. and children ages 10 to 13 will begin at 11 a.m. Free pre-registration online is encouraged.
- Children’s Arts & Crafts: In recognition of Youth Art Month and National Craft Month in March, The Children’s Craft Corner will feature a variety of make-and-take crafts that explore their artistic talents. Day of crafts available while supplies last.
Ongoing activities include:
THE MKT at Las Olas Oceanside Park is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Visitors can enjoy a weekend filled with shopping and entertainment at The MKT at Las Olas Oceanside Park. The market features artisan food vendors and creators of art, fashion, and home décor. With live music performances and weekly oceanside yoga and HIIT classes, attendees can relax and stay active. Additionally, guests can participate in various games that include tabletop games, lawn darts, cornhole, and more. The market is open year-round and offers a great opportunity to buy local and support small businesses.
March More at The MKT special events in honor of Youth Art Month and National Craft Month:
In March, The LOOP is hosting a vibrant event to celebrate Youth Art Month and National Craft Month at More at The MKT. Attendees can expect a variety of activities, performances, and opportunities that highlight the talents of theatre, dance, media, music, visual arts, and creative writing. The event is designed to be an immersive experience that showcases the creativity of young artists and provides a platform for them to share their work with the community. With a dynamic lineup of events, attendees are sure to have a memorable and inspiring experience. For updates, please visit https://theloopflb.com/more-the-market-2024/.
Youth Art Month Showcase, Sunday, March 10
The creative talents of young artists aged 6 to 17 are celebrated at The LOOP, which recognizes Youth Art Month on Sunday, March 10 at Las Olas Oceanside Park. Attendees can expect an inspiring lineup of performances and have the opportunity to meet some very talented young artists as they display their original works. Established in 1961 through The Art & Creative Materials Institute, Inc. (ACMI), Youth Art Month recognizes art education as a vital component of holistic education. It emphasizes art’s role in enhancing the quality of life, fostering critical thinking, and expanding school art programs. This year’s theme, “Dream in Art,” invites participants to explore their imaginative landscapes and share their visions with the community.
View submissions and learn what inspires these youth to express themselves through various art mediums at https://theloopflb.com/events/youth-art-month-exhibit/
All of The LOOP’s events are free and open to the public. For more information, please visit www.theloopflb.com.
