Bluey, dog adoptions set for July 25 at Hershey market

Fresh Market at Hershey Towne Square will host a Bluey meet-and-greet and a dog adoption event with Nirvana Animal Rescue on Saturday, July 25. The family-friendly pairing adds an on-site ticket discount at participating vendors and brings adoptable dogs to the lower level of the market.

Why it matters: - The event pairs a high-interest family attraction with a local animal rescue effort, giving visitors two reasons to stop at the market on the same day. - Guests who attend Bluey’s Big Play at Hershey Theatre can turn a show outing into a shopping discount and a community event. - The adoption showcase gives Nirvana Animal Rescue a public platform without placing dogs for adoption on-site.

What happened: - Fresh Market at Hershey Towne Square will host a dog adoption event with Nirvana Animal Rescue from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 25. - Bluey will appear at the market from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. the same day. - Both events will be held on the lower level of the market. - Live piano music will run throughout the day. - Bluey’s appearance is tied to a visit to Hershey for Bluey’s Big Play at Hershey Theatre.

The details: - Nirvana Animal Rescue is a local 501(c)(3) dog adoption organization. - Nirvana Animal Rescue operates through a network of foster homes based in Perry County. - Visitors can meet adoptable dogs and learn about the adoption process. - No adoptions will happen on-site. - Interested adopters will still go through Nirvana Animal Rescue’s standard application and vetting process after the event. - Guests who show a Bluey’s Big Play ticket at participating vendors will get 10% off their purchase. - Participating vendors include Massimo's Italian Bakery, Just Juice, Doggie Delights, Fan's Cuisine, I&E Craft Kitchen, Foltz Pretzels, Lather Me Soap, S. Clyde Weaver, Midstate Distillery, LindenBrook Shoppe, Grill & Gyro, and Latimore Valley Farms. - More information about Nirvana Animal Rescue and its available dogs is available at the rescue's website. - Updates on this event and others at the market are available at the market's website.

Between the lines: - The market is using a popular children’s character to draw traffic that also benefits a local nonprofit. - The no-adoptions-on-site setup suggests the rescue wants to preserve its normal screening process while still meeting prospective adopters in person. - The discount offer links the theater performance, the market vendors and the special event into one same-day outing.

What's next: - Visitors can attend the market event on July 25, then follow Nirvana Animal Rescue’s application process if they want to adopt. - Fresh Market at Hershey Towne Square plans to continue monthly special events. - The market remains open Thursday through Saturday at 121 Towne Square Drive in Hershey, Pennsylvania.