Pet Central Expands its Pawprint at Twin Cities Pride

Each year, in the expansive green space of Loring Park near downtown Minneapolis, Twin Cities Pride celebrates the LGBTQ+ community both within and outside the Twin Cities. Over the course of the two-day festival, attendees can enjoy the annual parade, live entertainment, over 650 vendors and access to numerous resources. And, to the excitement of many pet owners, another one of Pride’s offerings is Pet Central.

Pet Central, as described by Taylor Pacyna, a Twin Cities resident and Twin Cities Pride program coordinator, is one of the many “zones” at Twin Cities Pride. In this zone, pet lovers can bring their furry friends or observe the beloved pets of others.

“Pet Central is one of our zones, and in that space, we have a little stage and a little area with some grass, a little grassy area. So, along with the vendors and rescue organizations that are there, we also do some programming just to bring people into the space and have a little fun,” Pacyna says.

For the last two years, Pacyna has worked with Twin Cities Pride to coordinate unique ideas and events that strengthen the community throughout the year.

“We plan everything from career fairs to book fairs, to our Rainbow Feast, trunk-or-treat, all sorts of fun things,” Pacyna says. “So we really work to make sure that Twin Cities Pride isn’t just a festival, but also something that gives back to the community all year round.”

The conception of Pet Central was one of these many ideas. Pacyna explains that Loring Park is already a great place for people to bring their pets, so it was not a hard decision at all to decide to add a specific zone to Twin Cities Pride for pets and pet lovers to come and enjoy.

“Loring Park is a great place to be with your pet, and it already has a closed-in little pet dog park. And so, we thought we might as well use that space and go with what was already there. And, people love bringing their pets to Pride already, so let’s make some space just for them,” Pacyna says.

Without the need for deliberation, Pet Central became an added zone to Twin Cities Pride. This space is a great place for people who love pets to bring their companions and spend time with other pet lovers. Additionally, Pet Central hosts vendors, pet resources, multiple rescue organizations and programming that enhance the overall experience of the zone.

This year, Pet Central is expanding to include more of the things that have been loved in years before. Attendees can expect to see organizations such as Upper Midwest Great Dane Rescue, Feline Rescue Incorporated, the Humane Society, Pocket Pet Rescue and Canine Inspired Change.

Vendors that sell pet collars and other cute pet accessories are also going to be at Pet Central. Further, Pet Central offers information regarding what hotels are pet-friendly and different places one can go to get their pet trained. Pacyna sums it up well in a single sentence: “If you’re looking for something for your pets, you’re pretty set in that space.”

For attendees looking for more interactive pet fun, the programming options offer the perfect opportunities. Throughout the day on Saturday, a variety of pet-themed events will be held at Pet Central, including training, crafts, trivia, styling and, at the end of the day, a pet costume contest.

“I would definitely suggest just coming out, getting to see what everything is,” Pacyna says. “If you have a pet that you are excited about and wanna bring, you’re welcome to bring them to the pet costume contest, which is at 4 o’clock. At 3:45, I’ll call for folks to start dressing their pet up … We’re gonna have QR codes so everyone in the space can vote for the winners. There’ll be some really fun prizes, some merch for your pets and for the humans as well.”

Twin Cities Pride has always been a welcoming and unifying event, and Pet Central works to further that experience. Not only can people bring their favorite animal friends, but they can also meet other pet lovers within the community. With all the exciting happenings at Pet Central, it is one of the best spaces for animal lovers to spend time at Pride.

Pacyna shares this belief, as she says, “It’s so fun … to say, you know, ‘Not only am I part of the LGBTQ community or an ally, but I also love pets.’ And so, to have a place for the two things, that really makes Pet Central a fun space to be.”

Vendors interested in working at next year’s Pet Central can anticipate openings around the middle of January. For more information about Pet Central, how to sign up to be a vendor or Twin Cities Pride as a whole, consider visiting Twin Cities Pride’s website, tcpride.org.