Have you ever wondered what a festival for Great Danes is called? Amazing. Simply amazing! Ok, it’s actually called Danetoberfest and this year’s theme is “Who Let the Danes Out?”! 

Whether you know and love this goofy, giant breed or just want to stand in awe at how they can be so goofy and yet majestic all at the same time you should come on out to the 7th Annual Danetoberfest in Pensacola, FL at the Historic Seville Square on Oct 7th, 2023 from 11am – 4pm. There is no need to own a Great Dane to attend this event, just being a dog lover, a fan of music, eating delicious food, or wanting to support a great cause is all you need to have a fabulous time!

The Northwest Florida Great Dane Rescue (NWFLGDR) is based in Pensacola, FL, and hosts this giant-sized event, growing as fast as a four-month-old Great Dane puppy! Danetoberfest is their flagship event, designed to raise funds and awareness for these gentle giants. The influx of abandoned & surrendered dogs is at an all-time high for rescues & shelters around the country and larger breeds are often hard to place due to their size & extra cost of food and medical care. Currently, the NWFLGDR has over 60 Danes in foster homes and boarding across the northwest. Funding for this 501(c)(3) rescue is done solely through donations & volunteers and the cost to bring in a Dane to the rescue can cost anywhere from $500 to several thousand dollars. Support of the community is critical to help these pups that are so deserving of a better life.

As a pet photographer, new to the Pensacola area, the NWFLGDR was one of the first rescues I reached out to when I moved here in 2022. I wasn’t in the position to foster at the time, but I knew I wanted to help in some way. The rescue quickly took me up on my offer to photograph adoptable Danes that needed some new headshots. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words and these babies need everyone talking about them! I am now able to foster a pup from time to time and I am currently fostering sweet Ginger, a petite & spunky 3-year-old merle Great Dane that will win you over in an instant.

But let’s talk about one of the best highlights of Danetoberfest, the opportunity to meet and potentially adopt a Dane at the event! These magnificent dogs are known for their gentle temperament and loyal nature, making them fantastic companions. By adopting from NWFLGDR, you’re giving a Dane a second chance at life and gaining a devoted friend. I’ll be there with Ginger so make sure you come to meet her! 

Along with the adoptable pups, you can expect to see food vendors such as Cactus Flower Mexican food truck, MJ’s Hot Dog Joint, and Flour-ish Comfort Food Truck. Not to mention the pup-friendly vendors like Sophie’s PupCake Pantry, WolfGang Pensacola, & Revive K9 Pensacola set up to make sure you have a great time! Oh and did I mention, that yours truly, Hoff House Pet Photography, will be there too! Make sure you stop by my booth for a chance to win your very own pet photoshoot!

While you are out shopping the vendors make sure to grab your copy of the 2024 Dazzling Dane’s Calendar. With my heart to help pups in need and being a Great Dane mom myself, I teamed up with the rescue to create the first-ever NWFLGDR calendar, this calendar features many of the NWFLGDR alumni who have found their forever homes and are now living the life of luxury. Through this calendar project, we raise over $5,000 for the rescue & all proceeds of the calendar sales go to fund the NWFLGDR mission. Limited copies will be available at the event so make sure you hit that booth first! 

I can’t say it enough but Danetoberfest is not just an event; it’s an experience. So mark your calendar, gather your friends and family, and head to Seville Square for a day of fun, food, music, and the chance to find your new best friend. Whether you’re a long-time Great Dane enthusiast or simply someone looking for a delightful way to spend a day, Danetoberfest is an event you won’t want to miss. 

Wags & wiggles,
Jess