The weather set up a picture perfect day for Pet Fest in Franklin

It was a perfect day to pet a little donkey, rub a dogs wet nose and have a snake rubbed into your hair. Well maybe not that last part, unless you were one of the kiddos encircling Jungle Terry as he showed off his sometimes squirmy friends.

Sunshine, warm temperatures, and and even water smiling faces created the perfect day for Pet Fest's return to Bandstand Park in downtown Franklin. Not to mention the abundance of tail wagging.

The day, now dedicated to all things animal, is a traditional doggie festival that has morphed from it's origin of Duke Fest, still draws more canine attendees than anything else, but there are also visitors of all sorts. 

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Jungle Terry, who oftentimes comes into town for the Penny Carnival in July, was back at it with his menagerie of snakes, turtles, birds, and small mammals. He entertained and educated the crowd of kids gathered around, most eagerly awaiting their opportunity to pet one of one Terry's animal friends.

Occasional squeaks were uttered when a snake got a little close, but it was mostly laughter from the children and their parents filling the air.

Dozens of vendors offering their wares gave adults even more to do as they looked for more pet related items. A large tent offering a giant raffle of various items. ​

The Saturday event is a fundraiser for Precious Paws Animal Rescue and meant to be a fun-filled day honoring the bond between pets and people. 

And that it was.

A  brief walk through the park and you could feel the joy of pet owners proudly showing off  their four-legged family members. There was camaraderie and happiness in the air as folks gathered with their common love of animals.

​It was refreshing.

Franklin sure knows how to throw a festival. ​

​Below are more photos from the day in the park.