Animania event offers plenty of fun for pets, pet-lovers

Columbia County is inviting pets and their owners to the Memorial Gardens Saturday for the Animania Pet Fair.

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The second annual event, designed for pet owners, runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Memorial Gardens behind the Columbia County Library at 720 N. Belair Road in Evans, said Brook Willis, a county community events specialist.

"Last year it was the middle of August and it was so hot," Willis said, adding that doggie pools, water bowls and plenty of shade will be provided. "We had to take so many precautions to keep everyone cool. This year, we decided October, even though it is busy with events, the weather is so much better."

The fair will feature the Mutt Strutt, a parade of animal lovers and their four-legged friends.

"They love to show off their animals," said Willis, adding the parade will begin at noon. "...Following that, we're doing a costume contest, which we did not do last year. But since it is so close to Halloween this year, we wanted to add that."

Animania also features dog training demonstrations by Jae-Mar-S and Wonderdog Limited, more than 25 vendors offering pet products and pet adoption services including several animal rescue groups, the Columbia County Humane Society, pet sitting services, pet training and arts and crafts vendors catering to pets and pet lovers.

Owners also can enter a pet-owner look-a-like contest.

The Rev. Cynthia Taylor, of the Church of the Holy Comforter, will lead a Blessing of the Animals ceremony at 1 p.m.

"This is my favorite event, by far," said Willis, who has three dogs.

L.C. Dawg, a Georgia Bulldog mascot, will be at the event for pictures. Professional angler J. Todd Tucker also will be signing autographs, Willis said.

To attend with their pets, owners must follow a few rules. Dogs must be on leashes and have current vaccinations. Owners must clean up after their pets with provided bags. Owners of destructive or aggressive pets will be asked to leave.

For more information, contact Willis at (706) 312-7194 or at bwillis@columbiacountyga.gov.