Each fall, Home for Life® Animal Sanctuary hosts its annual EmBark in the Park, a unique event designed for dog lovers and their four-legged friends. Set against the stunning backdrop of the St. Croix River Valley, this dog-friendly walk and fundraiser takes participants on a picturesque 4.7-mile journey, crossing two iconic bridges in Stillwater, Minnesota. From start to finish, the event offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure, community spirit, and a mission-driven focus to support a sanctuary for at-risk dogs and cats.
About Home for Life® Animal Sanctuary
Home for Life® offers a unique solution for animals with special needs, who might otherwise be overlooked for adoption. Located in Star Prairie, Wisconsin, this “care-for-life” sanctuary serves animals that need lifelong care due to medical, behavioral, or other issues. As an alternative to euthanasia or life in a shelter, Home for Life provides a safe, permanent home where dogs and cats can live out their lives in comfort. Through programs like Peace Creatures, the sanctuary also engages with the community, offering animal-assisted activities for veterans, at-risk youth, and senior citizens.
The Event: What to Expect
The 2024 edition of EmBark in the Park promises a memorable day filled with fun activities for all ages. Registration costs just $25 per person and includes a catered lunch, live music, and a limited edition EmBark at the Park supporter t-shirt.
The walk will depart from Lowell Park at 9 AM sharp. Participants can choose between a long walk that spans the full 4.7 miles of the St. Croix Loop Trail or a shorter route for those seeking a more relaxed experience. The scenic trail crosses both the historic Stillwater Lift Bridge and the modern St. Croix Crossing Bridge, offering beautiful views of the river and the changing fall foliage.
After the walk, participants reconvene at Lowell Park for a catered lunch featuring a barbecue buffet with vegetarian options, live music, and a cash bar. Plus there will be plenty of water and treats available for the canine companions as well.
How to Join the Fun
Tickets for EmBark in the Park cost $25 and include the guided walk, lunch, live music, and an event t-shirt. All funds raised go directly to support the animals at Home for Life. Those interested can register online through RunSignUp, and participants are also encouraged to set up a fundraising page to raise additional donations for the sanctuary. Even if you can’t attend the walk, you can still support the cause by sponsoring a participant or making a donation.
For those who want to go the extra mile, Home for Life® offers a fundraising platform through GiveMN.org, where walkers can create personalized pages to raise money for the sanctuary. These funds help provide essential care, food, and medical attention to the animals at Home for Life, ensuring they can live out their lives with the dignity and love they deserve.
Event Highlights
- Date and Time: EmBark in the Park will take place on September 22, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- Location: The event kicks off at Lowell Park in downtown Stillwater, MN, right along the scenic St. Croix River.
- Walk Options: Participants can choose between a long 4.7-mile walk or a shorter route for a more leisurely pace.
- Lunch and Music: After the walk, enjoy a catered barbecue lunch with vegetarian options, live music, and a cash bar under the event tent in Lowell Park.
Important Considerations for Participants
- Parking: Stillwater offers a variety of free and paid parking options, including street parking with time limits and a parking ramp available for a small fee.
- Dog Etiquette: All well-behaved dogs are welcome, regardless of breed or size. However, dogs must be on a leash (no retractable leashes) and owners are responsible for cleaning up after them. Proof of current vaccinations, especially rabies, may be required.
- Safety Measures: The event will have safety protocols in place to ensure the wellbeing of all participants. Aggressive dogs or those that pose a threat to others will not be allowed to participate.
- What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, dog supplies (leash, water), and any proof of your dog’s vaccinations.
Why Support Home for Life®?
Home for Life® operates on the belief that every dog and cat deserves a home, even if they have been overlooked for adoption due to age, disability, or behavioral challenges. As a “third door” in animal welfare, this sanctuary provides a critical alternative to traditional shelters, offering animals a permanent home with high-quality care. The funds raised during EmBark in the Park help cover the costs of housing, feeding, and providing medical care for these animals. By participating in the event or contributing through fundraising, supporters are directly impacting the lives of the animals in their care.
Join the Movement
Whether you’re a local resident or visiting Stillwater for the weekend, EmBark in the Park offers an incredible opportunity to bond with your dog, enjoy the beauty of the St. Croix River Valley, and support a worthy cause. With food, music, and a great community of dog lovers, this event is the perfect way to spend a fall day while making a difference in the lives of animals who need it most.
So grab your leash, lace up your walking shoes, and get ready to EmBark on a day of fun and fundraising!