Sat 9/14 @ 10AM-4PM
It’s time again for one of northeast Ohio’s most unusual animal-related events, Skunkfest, which takes place every September in North Ridgeville’s South Central Park (7565 Avon Belden Road).
Now in its 23rd year, it was founded by North Ridgeville resident Deb Cipriani, who operates a pet skunk rescue called Skunkhaven. Cipriani started the rescue to re-home pet skunks (which are not taken from the wild but bred to be domestic) whose owners didn’t realize what a handful they are. She started an informal get-together for skunk owners that outgrew her back yard and turned into a public event.
Every animal lover should enjoy meeting the skunks (and people dressed as skunks) which come in colors such lavender, white and apricot, as well as the traditional black & white stripes, talking with skunk owners about their pets, observing the crowning of the skunk king and queen, prince and princess, cheering on a favorite in the skunk costume contest, and watching the skunk races — owners cajoling their pets to keep heading toward the finish line instead of stopping to rest repeatedly will seem very familiar to anyone with a cat.
Skunkfest typically features other rescues as well: Ferrets Unlimited is a regular and they bring some of their adoptable ferrets for people to hold and pet. In the past there have been cat, dog and tropical bird rescues, as well as therapy bunnies, a possum and a pig, so you never know what kind of critter you might encounter.
You can also expect multiple vendors with pet-related and skunk-themed items, as well as things such as aprons, jewelry and home décor; games; raffles and a booth with human food.
Admission is a roll of paper towels per person, natural grain cereal or whatever monetary donation you feel moved to give.