Ogunquit News
Put your best paw forward for pAWSitively Ogunquit
OGUNQUIT - If you've been keeping an eye on what's happening around town, or at the Animal Welfare Society of West Kennebunk, you know what's coming to town next month.This "Beautiful Place By the Sea" will be going to the dogs - and cats - literally - through October of this year as Ogunquit's streets and businesses will be adorned with fiberglass felines and pooches decorated by local artists.
And it's all to benefit the work of the Animal Welfare Society (AWS) to help furry friends in need.
"The idea comes from Chicago's famous Cows on Parade and the more recent lighthouses in Portland two years ago and the current Jimmy Fund CowParade Boston," explained Frances Reed and Katie Lisnik of pAWSitively Ogunquit in an announcement of the upcoming events in this special public art project.
The AWS has paired with the Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce to present pAWSitively Ogunquit by putting the talent of many local artists before the thousands of visitors who will be coming through the community during the summer season.
The plan is to both enrich the community and bring awareness of animal welfare issues.
"We'll have some 20 life-size animals decorated and on display," according to the pAWSitively Ogunquit announcement. "There will be a combination of distinguished dogs and cute cats."
The project works by making it possible for businesses and private individuals to sponsor upcoming events and more. The dogs and cats will be on display throughout Ogunquit and at different local events throughout the 2007 season.
"pAWSitively Ogunquit will end with an auction in October of 2007 with all proceeds divided equally between the Animal Welfare Society and the Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce," Reed and Lisnik noted.
Businesses or organizations that sign on as sponsors will be able to have one - or more - of these artsy animals on display at their property with a notation and display advertisement on the event map.
For private sponsors, display venues could include the Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center, the Winn House and the Ogunquit Playhouse.
Most sponsorships include a link to the sponsor's website, line listings on t-shirts, tote bags and other pAWSitively Ogunquit merchandise, mentions in all print advertising and tickets to each pAWSitively Ogunquit event.
Event sponsorships are also available and will have sponsor businesses names featured prominently at the event.
Current sponsors include Yardarm Village Inn, Animal Instinct, Spoiled Rotten, Gazebo Inn Ogunquit, Julie's Ristorante, Perkins & Perkins, Harbor Candy Shop, Bread and Roses Bakery, Juniper Hill Inn, Meadowmere Resort, The Milestone, Norseman Resort, Bintliff's Restaurant, Gorges Grant Hotel and Paul J. Gitnik of Pittsburgh, Pa.
Animals are currently with their artists getting all decked out for the big unveiling, which is just over a month away.
"We will be hosting the 'Unleashing Party and Catillion' during the Patriot's Day Celebration in Ogunquit on April 15," Reed and Lisnik wrote. "Join us for the celebration and to meet these beautiful and exciting animals!"
The Animal Welfare Society exists to provide humane shelter and care to animals temporarily in need of housing, and to further the cause of responsible animal adoption and ownership through education and public awareness.
The Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit organization focused on the advancement of the commercial, recreational, cultural and civic interests of the Ogunquit community.
More information is available at www.ogunquit.org/paws or by contacting Frances Reed at 646-1279 or e-mail paws@ogunquit.org.
