GoatFest 2024: Our Inaugural Fundraising Event

GoatFest 2024 marked our inaugural fundraising event, and we are thrilled to announce our plans to host a similar festival annually following its exciting debut. This year, GoatFest took place on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at the Fainting Goat Brewing Company in downtown Fuquay Varina, NC. The festival was designed to provide a wide array of attractions and activities for attendees of all ages, ensuring a memorable experience for everyone involved.

One of the highlights of the day was the performance by the Kudzu Ramblers, a local bluegrass band that entertained the crowds with lively music. Their upbeat tunes set a festive atmosphere, encouraging attendees to relax and enjoy the day’s events. In addition to great music, we introduced our Famous Goat Kissing Booth, where guests had the unique opportunity to kiss and cuddle our beloved goats—Kate, Fiona, and Sweetpea—within a beautifully decorated, fall-themed goat enclosure. This interactive experience was a favorite among attendees, drawing smiles and laughter from all who participated.

The festival also featured a Silent Auction with 33 curated baskets, providing guests with the chance to bid on a variety of exciting items. Alongside this, we organized a raffle, face painting for the kids, and a concession stand selling our sanctuary t-shirts, koozies, and delicious snacks. To satisfy cravings, both the Fat Cat Ice Cream truck and a BBQ food truck were present, offering tasty treats that complemented the festive atmosphere.

Adding to the charm of GoatFest, local authors Nancy King and Jill Eagan showcased their goat-themed children's books at a booth. Their delightful stories, including one titled "The Girl Who Loved Goats," captivated the audience and provided a perfect souvenir for families to take home. Meanwhile, attendees could enjoy a refreshing drink on the patio at the Fainting Goat Brewing Company while observing all the exciting activities happening around them.

Nancy King, local author, at her booth at GoatFest 2024

In a whimsical turn of events, Sweetpea, one of our adorable goats, tired of her time in the kissing booth, donned her bat wings to showcase her Halloween costume. She mingled with guests, reveling in the attention and adding an extra layer of fun to the day. It was a fantastic event for everyone involved, including our lovable goats, who enjoyed the festivities just as much as the attendees.

We are proud to announce that we raised an impressive $6,500 during GoatFest 2024. This funding went directly towards our fence replacement project, allowing us to replace half of our Phase 1 fencing—a significant step towards opening to the public for events in May 2025. The success of this event has encouraged us to discuss plans with the Fainting Goat Brewing Company for 2025. We are excited about the possibility of merging their Oktoberfest with GoatFest to create a new celebration called Goatoberfest, tentatively scheduled for late September.