Pet Rescue Street Festival Saturday

The 9th Annual Gulfport's Get Rescued fundraiser is expected to lure thousands to the city on Saturday, Feb. 23. The all day free event has evolved from one block and a handful of animal rescue groups in its first year to a popular and festive event representing rescue groups from throughout the region.

Here's what you need to know if you plan on coming to the event.

Daytime Event: Gulfport's Get Rescued is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in downtown Gulfport on Beach Boulevard. It's free to the public.

Schedule of Events:

• 2 p.m.: Adoptable Pet Parade @ Beach & Shore Blvd.
• 2:30 p.m.: Pet costume contest @ Beach & Shore Blvd.
• 6 p.m.: Beach Blvd. event closes & raffle drawing at Salty's
• 6 - 7 p.m.: Yappy Hour @ Salty's Gulfport

Salty's Grand Opening:

Salty's Gulfport is hosting a grand opening at their new location at 5413 Shore Blvd. in conjunction with the annual event and will donate a portion of the day's proceeds to Gulfport's Get Rescued. The pup friendly pub, formerly known as Gulfport on the Rocks, will host a Yappy Hour from 6 - 7 p.m.

About the Street Festival:

There will be dozens of animal rescue organizations including the Humane Society of Pinellas County, Howell's Angels Wildlife, Friends of Strays, SPCA Tampa Bay, Small Paws Rescue, Florida Poodle Rescue and more.

There will also be several animal-related vendors, artists and crafters. Pet related activities will include a pet parade with domestic and adoptable pets, pet care education, pet services, training demos, canine massages and more.

Evening Event: Tails at Twilight is from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Gulfport Casino Ballroom at 5500 Shore Blvd.

• Tickets are $20 per person and are on sale now. There will be a limited number of tickets at the door.
• Live music, dancing, Hors d'oeuvre, cash bar
• Silent and Live Auctions

For more information on Tails at Twilight, or to purchase advance tickets, please visit www.GulfportMA or contact Lynda Shehan at (727) 323-3892 or No1Ringmaster@aol.com.

How you can help: Everyone is encouraged to donate dog and cat food, cat litter, and pet supplies to the rescues at the event.

Parking: Beach Blvd. will be closed during the daytime festival from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Say "HI" to Gulfport Patch: We'll have a booth at the free daytime festival. Meet Gulfport Editor Cherlene Willis and members of the Patch team.

Share Your Experience: Are you planning to adopt a dog, cat or any other furry friend? Snap a photo and share it with us and your neighbors at Gulfport Patch by adding it in our "Pics & Clips" neighborhood photo gallery.

For More Information:

For more information on Gulfport’s Get Rescued, visit www.GulfportMA.com or www.facebook.com/GetRescued or contact Suzanne King at 727-322-5217 / email SuzFest@gmail.com.