Thousands of furry visitors raise animal cancer awareness at Pet Rock in the Park

Deering Oaks Park Brims With Pets and Purpose at 15th‑Anniversary “Pet Rock in the Park”

PORTLAND, Maine – Sunday, August 2026 – The winding paths of Deering Oaks Park were a blur of wagging tails, barking greetings and the scent of fresh grass when the 15th‑annual Pet Rock in the Park event opened its gates on Sunday afternoon. Hosted by Portland‑based radio station Whoopie 100.9 and organized by the Portland Media Group, the four‑hour festival drew roughly 4,000 visitors, a number that the station’s general manager estimates is a steady crowd for this family‑friendly gathering.

The day was packed with activities designed to celebrate pets and raise money for the Animal Cancer Foundation (ACF) and other charitable causes. Vendors lined the park’s main trail offering pet‑friendly treats, toys and grooming supplies while a bandstand broadcast live music that set an upbeat tone. A special booth—operated by Grammy Rose Rescue & Sanctuary in Acton—featured a 9‑month‑old mutt named Pepper, who was available for adoption.

Pup Cups: A Sweet Surprise

At the center of the park’s hustle and bustle was a pup‑cup station run by local shop owner Jennifer Miller. She filled Dixie cups with chicken‑flavored whipped cream and the “pumpkin whipped‑cream” treat that has become a crowd favorite. “Almost 50 dogs have visited Miller at the pup cup station and emptied three cans of the crowd favorite,” said Miller, who watched with delight as a 9‑year‑old beagle named Potato lapped up his treat. The station was a hit, and by late afternoon the line of waiting dogs and their owners had stretched beyond the park’s perimeter.

The Star of the Show

One of the day’s most popular attendees was a 15‑year‑old pug from Scarborough named Mr. Pemberton—affectionately “Mr. P” by locals. The three‑legged dog, who lost a leg to cancer six years ago, trotted around the park in a stroller and won a round of cheers. His owner, Gina Figoli, explained, “We try to support because it’s a great cause for animal cancer. Six years as a tripod and he has done beautifully.” Mr. P has been a fixture at the event for six years, and on Sunday he was recognized multiple times and made a string of new canine friends.

New Beginnings and Socialization

The park was also a place for pets in need of a fresh start. Andrew Orr brought his 2‑year‑old Great Dane, Atlas, who he had adopted three months earlier from a rescue. Orr noted that Atlas had come from a “bad situation” and had not been socialized, but he was eager to play. “He couldn’t even sit,” Orr recalled, “but at Pet Rock he found another Great Dane named Phoenix to befriend, and might have even fallen in love with a small gray pit‑bull.” The day’s atmosphere encouraged interaction, and many dogs that had been shy before found new confidence in the open setting.

Community and Charity

According to Barry Gabloff, general manager of Portland Media Group and Whoopie 100.9, the event was built on the idea of bringing people together in a safe, pet‑friendly environment. “If it’s pet‑related, it’s here,” Gabloff said. “If there’s a favorite booth, it’s anybody who has brought little four‑legged friends that you can play with for a little while.” He added that the event had become a staple for the community, especially after a pause during the COVID‑19 pandemic. “It’s really cool to see how the community comes together,” he remarked, gesturing to the crowd.

The festival’s fundraising has been steady: past editions have raised more than $5,000 for oncology research at ACF. This year, with the addition of new vendors and a broader array of activities, organizers anticipate an even larger contribution. The park’s parking lot was full by 11:30 a.m., and the event’s popularity continued throughout the day.

Looking Forward

Pet Rock in the Park, now in its 15th year, began before the pandemic as a small gathering and has grown into a major community event that blends fun with philanthropy. With the support of local businesses, rescue organizations, and the Portland Media Group, the festival offers a model of how community spirit and animal care can intersect to benefit both pets and the causes they inspire.

For those who missed the event, the next gathering will likely feature new pet‑friendly booths, a continuing lineup of live music, and the ever‑present chance to see Mr. Pemberton stroll through Deering Oaks Park with his newsboy cap. As the event’s founders and participants alike demonstrate, a park, a few treats, and a shared love of animals can indeed bring a community together for a good cause.