Bryan Thornburg, of Warrensville, Pennsylvania, is looking forward to this Saturday.
“It’s a long drive, but it’s worth it,” Thornburg said.
He and his fiancée have been attending Skunk Fest for the last five years. This year, however, was different because they brought their own pet skunk, Snickers.
Snickers competed against dozens of other furry competitors for titles like Skunk King and Queen at the 25th annual festival, which took place Saturday in South Central Park.
The event, organized by Skunk Haven, drew over 3,000 people from all over the country and marked a watershed moment for the nation’s leading domestic skunk rescue.
Deb Cipriani founded Skunk Haven in 2001 after rescuing her first skunk, Daisy. Since then, what began as a backyard gathering has evolved into a nationally recognized celebration of rescue, education, and companionship.
The festival included costume contests, royalty crowning, children’s activities, and educational talks on how to care for misunderstood animals. Skunks of all colors coexisted with curious newcomers who had never encountered a domestic skunk.
Ken Johnson, co-creator of Skunk’d, a skunk-themed dice game, said the event provided him with a unique opportunity to connect with the community.
“I think this is a great opportunity for families, especially kids, to get an appreciation for one of nature’s most fascinating animals,” Johnson told reporters.
Johnson, who first attended in 2024, helped recruit vendors and unveiled a new skunk-themed children’s book at this year’s event.
Skunk Haven, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has been rescuing, rehabilitating, and advocating for domestic skunks across the country for over 20 years.
For skunk enthusiasts like Thornburg, it’s also an opportunity to create new memories and demonstrate that even one of nature’s most pungent animals can be celebrated for much more than its odor.
