The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria has cancelled Sunday’s Paws in the Park festival due to an approaching nor’easter forecast to bring high winds and flooding to the area.
The free community event was scheduled to run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Oronoco Bay Park, featuring pet adoptions, live music, a costume contest, and vendors.
“We are devastated to announce that we’ve made the EXTREMELY hard decision to cancel Paws in the Park,” Erin Shackelford, senior manager of communications and event marketing, said in an email Friday. “While we were prepared to hold the event in the rain, the predicted high winds and flooding in the park on Sunday can’t be ignored.”
The National Weather Service forecast calls for showers on Sunday with breezy conditions, including northeast winds of 16 to 20 mph with gusts as high as 37 mph. There is an 80% chance of precipitation.
The storm marks the first nor’easter to hit the area on this date in 46 years, according to the announcement.
Beyond safety concerns for attendees, volunteers, and staff, logistical vendors providing tents and audio-visual equipment were not comfortable setting up in the severe weather conditions.
“We are absolutely crushed that this has happened,” the organization said in a Facebook post. “We were looking forward to a day of fun and community with YOU – our animal-loving friends.”
The organization will extend its Paws in the Park Silent Auction through Sunday, Oct. 19, at 5 p.m., with all proceeds benefiting the shelter’s programs. The auction remains available at PawsintheParkVA.com/Silent-Auction.
The annual fundraiser typically draws families and pet lovers throughout Alexandria for activities including Rescue Row adoptions, entertainment by bilingual musical act 123 Andrés, and a pet costume contest.
