OUR STORY
All Roads Lead to BarkFest!
BarkFest was born when event producer, Sherri Rheubottom, and publisher, Yoko Chapman, came to the realization that working collaboratively on creative projects for over 15 years, had actually resulted in a mind meld of sorts. Not only do they share the kind of detail focused, full speed ahead work style required to produce complex events and meet strict publication deadlines, they also share many goals, dreams, values, and most importantly, they both really love dogs. Like a lot.
Yoko and Sherri also share a strong connection to the local business community and have made it their prerogative to incorporate charitable fundraising components into their projects. To them, animal welfare is not just a passion, it’s a priority, which is the reason why Moon + Stars Productions’ BarkFest event and BARKS + BONES Magazine will work in tandem to contribute to their Raising the Woof! fundraising initiative for local animal rescue groups.
With Sherri being a new dog mom to fur baby, Chloe (recently adopted from K9 Advocacy Manitoba), and Yoko being committed to a demanding daily treat-giving regimen for her Samoyeds Luna and Casper, the obvious decision was to create a business where everyone could come to work together everyday and be part of the team!
Sherri and Yoko soon discovered that the inspiration and possibilities were endless and decided that an event where dogs could have just as much fun as their humans would absolutely be the Best! Thing! Ever!
Moon + Stars Productions is thrilled to announce the inaugural year of BarkFest, The Ultimutt Dog Party! and invites you to join them Saturday, September 20 + Sunday, September 21, 2025 at Red River Exhibition Park for this weekend-long celebration packed full with awesome events and activities designed with intention for literally ‘everyone and their dog’.
LUNA, CASPER + CHLOE
A BIT ABOUT SHERRI
BARKFEST
Producer + Director of Barketing
BARKS + BONES MAGAZINE
Publisher + Executive Editor
I accidentally stumbled into the Winnipeg event industry 30 years ago after being accepted into the University of Manitoba Fine Arts program. While waiting to start a graphic design course, I took a job with a concert and music festival production company and quickly realized it was my true calling!
Although live events can be very stressful, I loved how the fast-paced environment challenged me, and I especially loved the opportunity to be able to express my creativity by coming up with new ideas, creative content, and taking things to the next level. I also really enjoyed meeting so many talented local vendors over the years and being able to play a small part in their business successes.
My experience in the event industry has included the production of several large-scale consumer shows such as the Wonderful Wedding Show, Winnipeg Baby + Kids Show, Winnipeg Pet Show, along with other special live events including the Goldeyes’ Bark in the Park, as well as promoting various concerts, music festivals, and Broadway musicals. I was also the creator and Editor-in-Chief of Wonderful Weddings Magazine.
BarkFest has been a passion project in the making for me for many years, and 30 years after starting my journey in the event industry, I’m excited to finally create this dream event with my business partner, Yoko Chapman. After working together on a diverse range of event projects for over 15 years, we’ve now officially joined forces as Moon + Stars Productions and have created BarkFest The Ultimutt Dog Party! and BARKS + BONES Magazine. Both projects are supporting hundreds of talented local vendors while also raising funds and awareness for several local animal rescue groups that work so tirelessly to rescue and find forever homes for animals in need. Yoko and I are dedicated to making our Raising the Woof! for Animal Rescue Groups fundraising initiative a huge success.
We look forward to producing such a unique event, and our dream is to make BarkFest a fun annual tradition for thousands of Manitobans and their loyal dog companions!
"Until one has loved an animal a part of one's soul remains unawakened."
- Anatole France
A BIT ABOUT YOKO
BARKFEST
Producer + Director of Creative Mutterials
BARKS + BONES MAGAZINE
Publisher, Editor-in-Chief + Creative Director
Since starting my first business in 1999, I’ve worked as a publisher, creative director, event coordinator, brand consultant, writer, graphic designer, interior decorator, and photographer, focusing primarily on creative projects with local businesses. As Pulp & Circumstance design studio, I launched Greenvites™ Eco Stationery, spearheaded Eco Luxe Event Group, Winnipeg’s first eco friendly business collective, and launched VERT™ Yoko Chapman zero carbon line of co-branded stationery with WedVert/Portovert, voted The #1 Green Media Company by Martha Stewart Weddings and the New York Post.
Deep roots in the local business community led me to publish Ayoko Magazine and aDesigned Magazine showcasing Winnipeg businesses. In 2018, I published Down to Earth: Homemade Soups in Handmade Vessels in collaboration with WAG-Qaumajuq’s CRAFTED SHOW + SALE. This fundraising success inspired my Anthologie series featuring local art, design, food, fashion, and handmade wares, and has raised over $60,000 in donations for Harvest Manitoba, Wag-Qaumajuq, Habitat for Humanity, Winnipeg Humane Society, Canadian Mental Health Association, and Community Garden Projects.
I produced promotional events for VERT™ Zero Carbon stationery featuring celebrity event planner Preston Bailey (New York), Eco Luxe Event Group (Maison BIRKS), Table Stories (Blue Moon Furniture), Floriography (Pine Ridge Hollow), and have collaborated with Sweet Impressions bakery, and Floral Philanthropy to name a few.
Since 2010, Sherri Rheubottom and I have worked closely together on productions and publications where I supplied creative and marketing materials for the Wonderful Wedding Show, Winnipeg Baby + Kids Show, Winnipeg Pet Show, Goldeyes’ Bark in the Park, and was editor and creative director for Wonderful Weddings Magazine.
Our shared passion for local businesses and events, combined with our love for dogs, has led to us joining forces as Moon + Stars Productions + Publishing. The first BarkFest and BARKS + BONES Magazine is the product of our combined experience, interests, and resources. We couldn’t be more excited to raise awareness and funds for local animal rescue groups, and hope you and your dogs will join us in celebrating at our inaugural event this September!