FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE 8^th ANNUAL PET FEST AT THE RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

SHAKOPEE, Minn., (September 3, 2014) - The Minnesota Renaissance Festival invites pet lovers and their furry companions to the 8^th Annual Pet Fest on September 6 & 7. One of the most popular events of the Renaissance Festival, bring your own pooch for a whole weekend dedicated to them!

All patrons are welcome to bring their pets to our special events field at Shepherds Green and check out what Pet Fest has to offer. Spoil your pet and shop for pet apparel, personalized tags, and natural pet food. Patrons can also learn about dogs, parrots, ferrets, and more! With more than 30 vendors, there is sure to be something for every pet and owner alike.

Pet Fest is excited to host the Twin Cities Disc Dog Club! The club employs a variety of balanced training methods to ensure dogs and handlers have fun while staying safe. The dogs will be showing off their skills both days during shows at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 and 3:00 p.m.

New this year is flyball demonstrations by the South Metro based Nose to Nose Flyball Team. Flyball is a fast-paced relay race competition with two dogs racing against each other. Come catch the action in Shepherds Green at 10:00 a.m., 12:00, 2:00, 4:00 and 5:30 p.m.

Think your pooch has what it takes to win a costume contest? Pet Fest holds a costume contest on the Shepherds Green Stage each day. All patrons are invited to dress up their pet for a chance to win prizes. Pet owners and patrons also have the opportunity to win prizes through our Pet Fest Raffle! Enter to win gift certificates for various goodie baskets filled with leashes, toys and treats for your pet!

The Festival is excited to announce Weiner Dog Races will be coming back for the 3^rd year to Pet Fest! Come and watch the dachshunds put their tiny legs to work as they race against each other. Prizes will be awarded to the fastest pups. A registration form can be found on the Festivals website for those who want to give their pup a chance at taking home the gold.

The Minnesota Renaissance Festival welcomes all patrons to bring their pets each weekend. Owners must provide proof of rabies shots with registration to approve their pooch for the festival. All dogs must be leashed at all times and owners must check in at the Pet Gate.

Pet Fest takes place during the Passport to Adventure themed weekend at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. Other activities during the Passport to Adventure weekend include: a garlic farmer, bocce ball tournament, spaghetti eating contest, fantasy mask competition, and more! It all takes place throughout the Renaissance Festival grounds September 6 & 7.

The Minnesota Renaissance Festival is a first-class experience whose 44^th season begins on Saturday, August 16 and ends on September 28, 2014. The Festival is open weekends, Labor Day, and a special day for schools and seniors on Festival Friday, September 26, 2014 open from 9 a.m. 7 p.m., rain or shine. The Festival is located three miles south of Shakopee on Hwy 169. Admission at the gate: Adults $22.95; Children 5 12 $13.95; four and under are free! Discount tickets are available online and at participating Super America, Walgreens, Menards, and Whole Food Markets. Discount coupons are available at Subway and Papa Murphys. Visit www.renaissancefest.com or call 952.445.7361 for more information.