Animania to put bite into weekend

Animania will be unleashed Saturday.

The festival is designed for all those who are crazy about their dogs or might even resemble their four-legged friends, says Brooke Willis, Columbia County's Community and Leisure Services event specialist.

The event will start at 10 a.m. with the Mutt Strut Dog Parade under a big tent in the memorial gardens behind Columbia County Library on North Belair Road.

"People love to involve their pets in events like this," Willis said. "Being around other pet owners, it's really a bonding experience."

Animania also features dog-training demonstrations by Jae-Mar-S, The Wonderdog Limited and Quality K-9 Concepts, 17 vendors offering pet products and pet adoption services and the results of a pet/owner look-alike contest.

Willis said the festival also is open to people without pets who might be interested in purchasing or adopting a dog.

Pet owners should be mindful of the heat, she said. The county will provide water, doggie pools and frozen dog treats, and all events will stay on the grassy areas to protect the paws.