Proud pet parents from across Middle Tennessee can show their pride while pampering their pets when they attend the 19th Annual Pridefest to be held Saturday, June, 2. For the first time since its inception, Nashville Pride has teamed with nationally known Petco. to offer a pet watering station available to all festival attendees.

Christened the "Pet Pride Area," this unique spot will contain a watering station, where both pets and owners can relax and stay cool. In addition samples of organic dog and cat food as well as other special treats will be given out to attendees’ pets.

“This is something we have wanted to offer at Pridefest for several years,” says Nashville Pride President, Todd Grantham. “Pets are very important to many members of the GLBT community and now they can attend Pridefest, support their community and not worry about what to do with their pets. We are very excited that Petco. will be joining us.”

In order to become more involved in the GLBT community and make their booth fun for both animals and humans alike, Petco. will also be holding a pet photo contest to find Nashville’s proudest mama or papa and pet. Pet owners can bring their photos to the Pet Pride Area or into any Nashville Petco. store to enter the contest. Winners for each pet category will receive special prizes. Additional prizes will be given away during Pridefest as well.

“Petco is thrilled to present Pet Pride at this year’s Nashville Pride,” said Petco Southeast Director of Operations, Nick Torina. “We know how important pets are to everyone. We also intent to donate some of our space at Nashville Pride to area animal rescue organizations so that we can showcase animals who need good, caring homes.”

Nashville’s Nineteenth Annual Pridefest will be held on Saturday, June 2 at Centennial Park. The celebration, the largest GLBT festival in Tennessee, will begin with a parade down Elliston Place beginning at 11:00 a.m. 

For more information on Nashville Pride or the upcoming Pridefest visit www.nashvillepride.org.