Community Events
For 10 years, Pensacola has gone to the dogs — and Northwest Florida Great Dane Rescue (NWFLGDR) is marking the milestone with its biggest slobbery celebration yet.
The lovable giants of NWFLGDR will take over Seville Square on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the 10th Annual Danetoberfest, a day of Great Danes, food, fun, fundraising and plenty of four-legged friends.
This year’s theme, “Not All Heroes Wear Capes… Some Drool,” celebrates the giant dogs — and the people who help save them — at this special 10th-anniversary event. Guests can meet adoptable Great Danes and alumni Danes, shop with vendors, enjoy food and drinks, enter raffles and soak up the sights, sounds and slobbery kisses of one of Pensacola’s most unique fundraisers.
Why it matters: Danetoberfest is more than a tail-wagging celebration — it’s NWFLGDR’s biggest fundraiser of the year, helping provide veterinary care, medical supplies, food and other necessities for Great Danes in the rescue. This year, the rescue hopes to raise $15,000.
What began as a celebration of Great Danes has grown into a decade-long tradition that brings dog lovers together while helping give dogs in need a second chance. Every ticket, raffle purchase and donation helps NWFLGDR continue its mission of rescuing and caring for Great Danes throughout the region.
“For 10 years, Danetoberfest has given us an incredible opportunity to bring our community together for these slobbery, gentle giants. We’ve seen firsthand how much can happen when people come together for a common cause.”
— Michelle Cramer, president, NWFLGDR
What’s there: The 10th-anniversary celebration will feature more than 30 vendors selling arts and crafts, from dog-themed items to tasty treats for both humans and pups. Food trucks will also be on hand, making it easy to grab a bite while enjoying the festivities.
Feeling lucky? Raffle tickets for high-value prizes — including a private yacht tour, a beach hotel stay and a custom painting — are $5 each or six for $20. Dozens of additional $1 raffle prizes will also be up for grabs, including handcrafted items, gift baskets and plenty of dog-themed goodies.
“This year’s theme is a fun way to celebrate our danes — who are the real heroes — and the people who open their homes to them. Come out, grab some delicious food, enter the raffles and let one of our gentle giants steal your heart… and couch.”
— Katie King, vice president, NWFLGDR
- What: 10th Annual Danetoberfest
- When: Saturday, Oct. 3, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Where: Seville Square, downtown Pensacola
- Cost: Free to attend; raffle tickets $5 each or six for $20 (plus $1 raffle prizes)
- Dogs welcome: Well-behaved, vaccinated pups may attend — no retractable leashes, please
Come celebrate 10 years of Danetoberfest, support Northwest Florida Great Dane Rescue and enjoy a day of fun, food and Great Danes galore.
About Northwest Florida Great Dane Rescue: NWFLGDR was founded in Pensacola and became a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in 2010. The rescue serves a large coverage area — from Jacksonville westward along the I-10 corridor through southern Georgia and along the Gulf Coast of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and into Louisiana. All Danes are brought current on vaccinations, microchipped, spayed or neutered, and heartworm tested prior to adoption.
For more information about NWFLGDR or Danetoberfest, message the rescue on Facebook at facebook.com/NWFLGDR or email NWFLGDR@gmail.com.