Ever wanted to take your pup to a palooza? Well, the Newmarket Hotel is making it paw-sibble.
The St Kilda venue is hosting an extravagant doggo-friendly event for all dog lovers, complete with grooming, puppy parmas and free showbags.
Taking place on Sunday February 23, $40 will see punters get an item off a selected main menu, a special New-bark-et t-shirt for themselves and a New-bark-et tennis ball for their puppies, plus grooming, a puppy parma, dog beer and a showbag containing a number of samples from local pet suppliers. For an extra $30, the owner can also add a two-hour house beverage package.
So, what inspired Newmarket Hotel Event Manager Sam Cameron to create this unique occasion? As a pet-owner himself, he has been noticing an increased restriction in dog-friendly grounds around Melbourne.
“Last year, there were many dog-friendly parks and ovals being taken over by other actives, like sporting groups. So I thought, what could we do with a large outdoor area [like Newmarket] to help out,” Cameron says.
“So we came up with Puppa Palooza, an event that provides a place for both humans and dogs to come down, have a meal and hold a nice little party.”
Alongside Newmarket’s ongoing initiative ‘Puppy Parma Tuesdays’, which consists of a mini chicken schnitzel, shaved ham, topped with bocconcini and greens, alongside a dog-friendly side of “chips” and “salad”, and a regular Newmarket parma for their human companions, the Puppa Palooza is the first event uniquely dedicated to dogs.
What’s more, the event will feature a mini-market where small pet business owners will be selling their products, such as custom blingy dog collars by Xena’s Wardrobe. A number of other local pet-care providers, such as Jim’s Dog Wash, LifeWise Pet Food, Petway Pet Care and more will also be in attendance.
Of course, no event management comes without its challenges, especially when looking after both owners and their best mates during an eventful day out.
“We might run out of space”, exclaims Cameron. “The traction from social media has been huge, all we really want to do is give something back to the pooches. We’re also ensuring that we cater for all dietary options for both humans and their puppies so there is something for everyone.”
As Melbourne’s dog-friendly parks and hotspots expand in popularity in the new decade, the prospect of holding more occasions like this looks promising.
“Through feedback from customers at Puppa Palooza, we are looking at several upcoming ideas instore for the wider community (and of course, the canine community) to really bring everyone together.”
Can’t wait until Sunday February 23 to hang out with your best friend? Well, the Newmarket has also got a special Valentine’s Day event, running for the second consecutive year, where you can take your doggo out for a date. Who needs humans anyway? Show your dog that you care about them with a puppy parma.
Pal-entine’s Day goes down on Friday February 14 and Newmarket is putting up two-for-one small bites and pizzas to celebrate. There will also be $20 spritz jugs, $5 puppy parmas and free dog treats.
So, what if you haven’t got a man’s best friend but you’re still keen to come along and hang out with all the doggos at Puppa Palooza? You’re still welcome to join in the fun, food, and of course, all the furry friends.
Puppa Palooza takes over Newmarket Hotel on Sunday February 23. Find out more and make a booking via newmarketstkilda.com.au.
