Dog Fest 2009

Downtown near the History Center several bars and stores got together to host Dog Fest. The festival allowed dog owners to have a beer with their best friend. There was a $10 donation, and proceeds went to benefit The Cian Griffen Cystic Fibrosis Fund. At the event there were dog contests, vendors live music, food and drink and a raffle & silent auction. I got to the event late in the day and as I was sketching vendors started to get ready to leave. There must have been a dogie costume contest because I saw many dogs on the streets of downtown that day dresses in tee shirts and or Tu Tus.
A few people looked over my shoulder that day but one stands out. His name is Phil and he is homeless. He was completely taken with the sketch. He told me "Man I have to get off these streets there is so much talent out there. If I had a video camera, I would be shooting amazing footage everyday. You have no idea what I see on these streets." He suggested I sketch at a spot where Interstate 4 passes over Parrimore Street. Apparently a large group of people call that spot home for the night. Someday I hope to bump into Phil again, I suspect he rests in the History Center Park. Who knows someday I might take him up on that suggestion.