HAVERHILL — It was a swarm of belly rubs, head scratches and an occasional leash tug for the second year in a row at Chris’ Farm Stand on Salem Street.
Haverhill’s dog owners formed the strongest dog pack the city may have ever seen on Saturday, transforming the grounds into a puppy paradise. Hundreds of four-legged friends wagged, woofed and wiggled their way through Woofstock, which was bigger and better than last year’s debut, organizers said.
There were more than 40 local vendors, a lengthy lineup of doggy day care activities, and more tails flailing through the air.
Event organizer and dog lover Cynthia Morgan said a headcount in the early hours tallied 392 people and by the afternoon, she estimated the festival had already doubled last year’s turnout.
“This is around twice what we had last year and it certainly feels it,” Morgan said, looking around at a sea of barking and playing dogs. “It’s been busy right from the get-go and we’re not slowing down.”
She hustled from booth to booth, greeting business owners, then darting off to emcee one of Woofstock’s signature staples: the costume contest. Local pooches pranced before the crowd dressed as celebrities, superheroes and cartoon characters, each winner going home with a gift basket stuffed with chew toys and pet-wear.
One contestant, Elvis the Australian cattle dog, showed up disguised as a cow, while Zoey turned heads in a blonde wig and rainbow knit dress as Taylor Swift.
Murphy, a 15-year-old pug, rolled onto the field in an inflatable pirate ship perched on a dolly to snag the prize for funniest costume. Brodie, a 7-month-old doodle, and his sister Kaya won best dressed duo as a chef and dinner table.
Sweet Paws Rescue brought a number of pups ready for adoption. Volunteers guided families, introducing rescues and negotiated adoptions. For many, it was love at first lick as potential pet owners came closer to bringing a dog back to its forever home.
Nearby, the Essex County Sheriff’s Office wowed the crowd with canine obedience demonstrations. Officer Justin Perry introduced his German shepherd, Hex, while fellow handler Julianna King worked with Freya, a black Labrador retriever.
From tiny dachshunds to lumbering mastiffs, all shapes and sizes padded across the grass. The heavyweight champ was Moose, a 140-pound Bernese Mountain Dog who spent his afternoon politely sniffing French bulldogs and Boston terriers.
Farm owner Marlene Stasinos strolled through Woofstock in a bright yellow shirt with “I’M MARLENE, FARM OWNER,” printed on the back, hugging old friends and checking in with vendors.
“The whole point is for people to see the dogs and the farm,” Stasinos said. “Everybody is invited, and this is all free. You don’t have to pay to walk in the door.”
She added that the bond between the farm and the event organizers has already cemented itself into a tradition, and no words needed to be said between her and Morgan that Woofstock is automatically welcome to return next year.
City officials, including Mayor Melinda Barrett, City Council President Thomas Sullivan and Councilor Melissa Lewandowski, also stopped by to support the festival.
It seemed Woofstock had once again proved to be the “ulti-mutt” community event.