OHPA Bird Fair

- 600 Garden City Dr, Monroeville, PA 15146

For bird enthusiasts in Western Pennsylvania, there is no event quite like the OHPA Bird Fair. This isn't a traditional brick-and-mortar pet store, but a recurring specialty event that serves as a vibrant marketplace and a gathering for the local avian community. Held at various locations, including the Garden City Dr address in Monroeville, the fair brings together a diverse array of vendors, breeders, and rescue organizations under one roof. It provides a unique opportunity to find everything you need for your feathered friends, from finches and canaries to parrots and macaws, as well as an incredible selection of supplies that can be difficult to find elsewhere. Many attendees, like the one who thoroughly enjoys it "all of the years I've attended," appreciate the chance to purchase "toys, perches and new foods at great costs from local vendors." This direct-to-consumer model allows for excellent prices and a personal connection with the people who create and sell these products.

The OHPA Bird Fair is a true community event that goes beyond simple commerce. It’s a place where bird lovers can share their passion, exchange advice, and find a sense of camaraderie. The fair often features baby birds from quality breeders, birds for adoption from local rescue organizations, and rehoming opportunities for private bird owners. This blend of commercial sales, rescue efforts, and private rehoming creates a dynamic environment that caters to a wide range of needs. However, as one customer pointed out, this mixed environment can lead to concerns about the health and welfare of all the birds being sold. This is a valid point, and while the fair provides an opportunity for direct communication with vendors, it's important for attendees to do their due diligence and ask questions about the birds' backgrounds and health, as was successfully done by a customer who purchased a parakeet with a health guarantee and a paper on the parents. This highlights both the potential risks and rewards of this unique shopping experience, and it is a space that rewards knowledgeable and discerning buyers.

The fair’s focus on connecting people and resources is a major part of its appeal. It allows local vendors from different states to showcase their products, providing a rich and varied selection for attendees. This marketplace is where you can find unique, handcrafted items like toys and cages, as well as bulk food and supplements, often at competitive prices. The presence of rescue organizations, such as PEARL Parrot Rescue, adds a layer of community responsibility and a chance for visitors to support animal welfare efforts directly. Proceeds from certain fair activities, such as the Pittsburgh kitchen, go directly to these rescue organizations, further strengthening the fair's positive impact on the avian community. It's this multifaceted approach—combining retail, education, and rescue—that makes the OHPA Bird Fair more than just a sale; it’s an essential part of the bird-loving culture in Western Pennsylvania.

The OHPA Bird Fair is held at various locations, but the one in Monroeville at 600 Garden City Dr is a key venue for the Pennsylvania community. This location, often a banquet hall or community center, is chosen for its ability to accommodate a large number of vendors and attendees. A primary consideration for the fair’s organizers is accessibility, and they have ensured that the venues are convenient for visitors. The Monroeville location is easy to get to, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, making it inclusive for all members of the community. Free parking is a key benefit, allowing attendees to spend their time and money on the fair itself rather than on parking fees. The fair is typically held on specific dates, so it’s important to check the official website or social media pages for the current schedule, as dates and locations may change. The event’s location and timing are designed to provide a convenient and stress-free day out for bird lovers in the greater Pittsburgh area.

The temporary nature of the fair means that it operates differently from a permanent store, which is a consideration for attendees. The one-day event format allows for a focused and intense shopping experience where you can find a wide variety of items from multiple vendors in a short amount of time. It’s a "quick visit" format that is perfect for those who know what they're looking for or who just want to browse for a few hours. The accessibility features, such as the wheelchair-friendly entrance and parking, are a major plus, ensuring that everyone has the chance to participate. The fair’s organizers understand the needs of their community and work to create an environment that is both welcoming and easy to navigate. This is particularly important for an event where attendees may be carrying large cages, bird food bags, or other bulky supplies.

As a specialized event, the OHPA Bird Fair offers services that are tailored to the unique needs of the avian community. These services are provided by the individual vendors and organizers and contribute to the overall value of the fair. Some of the services you might encounter include:

• Bird Sales and Rehoming: A wide variety of birds are available, from chicks from quality breeders to birds for adoption from rescue groups and rehoming from private owners.
• Wing and Nail Clipping: Some vendors offer professional, on-the-spot grooming services, such as wing clipping and nail trimming, as noted by a customer in a review.
• Vendor-Specific Health Guarantees: Reputable breeders at the fair may provide health guarantees and detailed information about a bird's parents and care, which is a valuable service for new bird owners.
• Expert Advice: Vendors are often bird enthusiasts themselves and can provide personalized advice on everything from diet and habitat to training and behavior.
• Support for Rescue Organizations: The fair provides a platform for local bird rescue groups, and some proceeds go to support their work, which is a direct service to the avian community.

The OHPA Bird Fair has several standout features that distinguish it from a regular pet store and make it a highly anticipated event for bird enthusiasts in Western Pennsylvania.

• Specialized Marketplace: The fair is a one-of-a-kind marketplace for all things avian. It’s the best place to find a vast selection of birds, cages, toys, and food from multiple vendors in a single day.
• Connection to Local Vendors: It provides a direct link to local breeders, suppliers, and artisans, allowing attendees to find unique, handcrafted items and build relationships with knowledgeable professionals.
• Community Gathering: The fair serves as a social event where bird lovers can meet, share experiences, and learn from one another.
• Affordable Prices: Many attendees note that the prices for supplies, particularly toys and food, are better than what they can find at chain pet stores.
• Support for Avian Welfare: The inclusion of bird rescue organizations and the directing of funds to these groups show a strong commitment to animal welfare.

For more information on upcoming fair dates and locations, you can contact the fair's organizers.

Phone: (724) 814-4702

Address: 600 Garden City Dr, Monroeville, PA 15146, USA

What makes the OHPA Bird Fair worth choosing is its unique format as a community-driven, specialty event. While it may have its challenges, such as the need for customers to be discerning in their purchases, its benefits are substantial and hard to find elsewhere. It offers an unparalleled selection of birds and supplies in a single location, often at great prices. The opportunity to meet local vendors, breeders, and rescue groups in person is invaluable, as it allows for direct questions, personalized advice, and the chance to find unique items that are not mass-produced. The positive reviews consistently mention the great value and the enjoyable experience of attending. The fair's commitment to supporting animal rescue is also a significant factor, as it means that by attending, you are contributing to a cause that is vital for the well-being of birds in the region. For anyone in Pennsylvania who is a serious bird enthusiast or simply curious about avian life, the OHPA Bird Fair is an essential and rewarding destination. It's more than a shopping trip; it’s an opportunity to connect with a community and support the passion for feathered friends.

OHPA Bird Fair

600 Garden City Dr, Monroeville, PA 15146, USA