We regret that we will be cancelling EmBARK at the Park! Home for Life's Fall Color Dog Walk which was set for Saturday October 19th. We are just about 2 weeks from the event and have had few supporters register. The amount of preparation leading up to a Home for Life event like this is considerable, and with the apparent, limited interest in the walk, we had to make a tough decision to call it off as we could not count on attendance drastically increasing in the next days. We gave it our best shot, and had engaged a company to help promote the walk, but they didn't get the traction that we needed and hoped for and our own efforts have fallen short. Meanwhile, there is much activity at the sanctuary and many projects going on. We thought this walk was a great idea, unique and original but maybe it was just one walk too many. As one supporter remarked, there seems to be 5-6 dog walks happening every weekend in the Twin Cities area.
Although we are disappointed, we hope that you will still get out with your dog this autumn season and enjoy the beautiful fall weather and colors.
To all of you who did register for the event, we will return your registration fees to you; or you have the option of directing the registration as a donation, or having it credited to one of our events in 2025 — The Beach Party or our annual gala — thank you for your understanding regarding this difficult decision.
About Our Organization
Home for Life®, an internationally recognized care for life sanctuary, offers a service to animals in need like no comparative organization. Many shelters and rescue organizations aspire to find a home for every animal and dream of the day when there will be no homeless animals. At Home for Life®, that's what we want too—and that's what we provide—for dogs and cats that are overlooked for placement. Home for Life® has created a new idea, the care-for-life sanctuary—a life-saving and life-affirming alternative for dogs and cats who have not been able to find a home or keep the home they had and for animals who have lifelong special care needs, that most adopters cannot provide. We call our idea the "Third Door" in animal welfare which gives at-risk dogs and cats, animals who might have been passed over for adoption, an alternative to an undeserved death. The dream of a home should be an opportunity that is available for all dogs and cats, and now with Home for Life®, and the innovative model we have created at our prototype sanctuary in Star Prairie, WI, it can be!
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FAQs
1. What time does EmBARK at the Park start and what time does it end?
Registration opens at 9am and the event concludes at 1:30pm.
2. Where will EmBARK at the Park take place?
Look for the event tent at Lowell Park, along the St Croix River, off of Owens Street in downtown Stillwater, MN Lowell Park, St Croix Ave W, Stillwater, MN
3. What about parking?
Stillwater offers both PAID and FREE parking spaces. There are 1959 parking spaces in downtown Stillwater — the majority are FREE! All street spots are FREE with three-hour limits. Surface parking lots have either three-, four-, or 24-hour parking time limits. You are almost always GUARANTEED to find a parking spot in the four-level parking ramp located just a block off Main Street adjacent to the historic Lowell Inn. It is just $5/day to park on weekends.
4. Are there ID requirements or an age requirement to participate in the event?
- All dogs must be accompanied by a handler over the age of 18.
- All event attendees must register at the event and present two forms of authentication provided at registration in order to go through the buffet and retrieve their event memorabilia, gifts, and treats. Authentication awareness bracelets and hand stamps will be provided to event attendees at the reception table, at the time of registration the day of EmBARK at the Park.
- All attendees must sign a waiver form before entering the event area.
5. What about Covid-19?
The event is outdoors, and the State of Minnesota has lifted restrictions as to the number of people attending outdoor events, and no longer requires the use of masks. Home for Life will do our utmost to present an event that is safe for all attendees and encourages any guests who have not been fully vaccinated to consider wearing a mask if they are concerned. Home for Life will provide hand sanitation stations for your health and safety and there is a building with bathrooms and sinks at the park very near our event site.
6. What does my ticket price include?
Tickets are $25 per person and include an event t-shirt, guided walk along the beautiful St Croix River Valley, buffet luncheon, refreshments, musical program and the opportunity to help the special animals of Home for Life Sanctuary. Eventbrite will confirm your registration by email. Home for Life will have your name on our guest list at registration at event check in. All attendees must sign a waiver form before being admitted to the event to receive an awareness bracelet, hand stamp to attend the buffet, and receive their event t-shirt.
7. How can I fundraise for Home for Life by participating in EmBARK at the Park?
After registering, put the FUN in fundraiser! Head over to our Event Page on GiveMN.org to raise donations to support the animals of Home for Life by setting up your fundraiser or a team! (https://www.givemn.org/event/Embarkatthepark)
8. Can I attend and walk in EmBARK at the Park event without a dog?
YES! We welcome those who love dogs and who want to join us for the event and luncheon.
9.Does my dog have to be a certain size or breed to attend the event?
ALL well-behaved dogs are welcome to attend EmBARK at the Park.
10. Can kids participate in EmBARK at the Park?
Yes! All kids must be accompanied by at least one adult handler!
11.Should I bring anything with me to the event?
- Your dog! and comfortable walking shoes. Please dress for the weather — we will walk rain or shine! Please have your dog on a leash (no retractable leashes). We will provide poop bags; please clean up after your dog.
- Please be prepared to show proof of current vaccinations for your dog, especially rabies, if required.
12. What if my dog hears the call of nature?
No bathroom breaks in Lowell Park if possible. Home for Life volunteers will be on hand with pooper scoopers and poop pick up bags will also be available.
13. What time will the walk start?
We will EmBARK from the Park at 10am and reconvene back at the park for lunch at approximately 12pm.
14.What is the walk route?
Dogs participating in Home for Life EmBARK at the PARK will follow the St Croix Loop Trial which is 4.7 miles long. We will depart Lowell Park and then walk South along main street through Downtown Stillwater and turn east to cross the St Croix River Crossing Bridge. We will turn north onto the scenic Wisconsin side of the St. Croix River before turning west to cross the historic Stillwater lift bridge to arrive back at Lowell Park for lunch.
15. Will there be vegetarian selections on the lunch buffet?
Yes, we will offer vegetarian and vegan options on the buffet.
16. Will there be non-alcoholic beverages available?
Yes we will have pop, lemonade, infused waters, and iced tea which are included as part of the ticket price. Water dishes and treats will be available for all dogs.
17.What time is the buffet luncheon?
The lunch buffet and barbecue, reserved for registered guests only, is expected to begin at approximately 12:15pm. Be sure to register and check in at the event to obtain the authentication required for continental breakfast and lunch.
18.What can/can't I bring to the event?
Please no retractable leashes. Please leave your aggressive or reactive dogs home. Home for Life will have a security team on duty to ensure the safety of all guests. Dogs must be safe around other dogs and children.
Out-of-control or aggressive dogs will be asked to leave along with their handlers. No refunds under these circumstances. Let's make this a fun and safe event for all!