Cat lovers, this information might need you feline unhappy: Vancouver’s annual cat appreciation occasion, Meowfest, is not going to be taking place in 2024.
Event supervisor Justine Cheng and the Meowfest group shared the information Friday (Jan. 26) in an e-mail to followers and supporters of Canada’s largest cat pageant.
“After the magic of Meowfest 2023 in each Toronto and Vancouver, we’ve determined to take a pause this yr to recharge and are available again with contemporary concepts,” explains Cheng.
“We imagine this break will improve the expertise for everybody, making certain a purrfect comeback. It’s an opportunity for us to supply new concepts, making certain that after we reunite, it will be with a burst of creativity and power.”
Meowfest started in Vancouver in 2018 with an inaugural occasion on the Roundhouse in Yaletown, that includes merch, appearances by cat specialists, and meet-and-greets (insomuch as cats are keen to socialize) with Instagram-famous felines.
In 2019, the occasion was held in Toronto. A deliberate return to Vancouver in the summertime of 2020 was curbed by the pandemic; Meowfest made its triumphant Vancouver return in 2022.
Cheng informed V.I.A. in 2022 that her favorite a part of Meowfest extends previous the furry associates; it is about “bringing the neighborhood collectively.”
The 2022 occasion was significantly particular, she defined: “Because everybody hasn’t gotten collectively since 2018, I believe everybody’s simply trying ahead to connecting [again].”
That pleasure was not solely carried over however expanded upon simply final August, when Meowfest’s 2023 Vancouver gathering grew to have a number of thrilling new options, together with every thing from crafts and cat-themed tattoos to a scavenger hunt and cat costume contest. The occasion additionally had speed-dating for cat lovers, quite a lot of themed photo-ops, a market with over 40 distributors, meals vehicles, and an interactive human-size cat tree.
Since its 2018 debut, Meowfest has additionally raised $84,663 collectively for organizations that assist environmental and wildlife causes.
As Meowfest takes its break day this yr, cat lovers will discover the Meowfest on-line store up and operating; the platform can be up to date with new merchandise periodically, too.
“We respect your ongoing assist and might’t wait to see you once more,” shared Cheng.
With information from Maria Diment
