By John Chambless
Staff Writer

Anson B. Nixon Park will be going to the dogs – and some cats – on May 21 during the first Kennett Rotary Pet Fest.

The free event will run from noon to 4 p.m., and it's packed with attractions and events for pets and the people in their lives. One of the main events is Lefty's Fuzzy Butts 1K walk, a non-competitive walk or run for dogs and their owners. Medals will be awarded, and there are T-shirts for pre-registered participants. The debut event is sponsored by Terry Lynn's Critters, a pet-sitting and boarding business in Kennett Square. It begins at 2 p.m. in front of the Bandstand in the park. The entry fee is $5.

Every half an hour at Pet Fest, there will be free fitness classes for you and your pet, called JoanieFit Bow Wow Bootcamp. The classes will teach a fun, lively workout that's enjoyable for pets and owners.

If you're proud of your pet, you can enter the pet contests. The categories are “Bark Worse than Bite” (the loudest pet), “Best Tail Wagger” (happiest pet), “Man's Best Friend” (most loyal pet), “Evening Gown Competition” (best-dressed pet), “Mr. or Miss Kennett Square (most talented pet), “Crazy Cat Lady” (for both owner and pet), “Most Purrfect Feline,” “Looks Most Like Owner” (for dogs or cats and their owners), “Small but Mighty” (for smaller pets), and “Cutest Pet.”

The contests get underway at 1 p.m., and will run until 1:30 p.m. Pets and owners must be in front of the bandstand for judging. There is a $5 entrance fee per pet, or you can enter three contests for $10. You can sign up at noon at the information table. Prizes will be awarded in all categories.

Hood's BBQ of Unionville will be cooking up their delicious barbeque, and there will be live music by OL422. For the kids, there will be face painting, a moonbounce and hands-on crafts.

You can bid on silent auction baskets full of cat and dog products, as well as other gift items. Educational programs will be led by staffers from the Paws and Claws Pet Store in Kennett Square. Several non-profit organizations devoted to animals will also have information booths at the event.

If you've got room for more pets in your life, La Mancha Animal Rescue and the Brandywine Valley SPCA will have animals eligible for adoption at the Pet Fest.

Proceeds from Pet Fest will help local non-profits and animal-related organizations, including Brandywine Valley SPCA, La Mancha Animal Rescue, Kennett Area Community Services, KAU Little League, Family Promise, Maternal and Child Health Consortium of Chester County, The Garage Youth Programs, Boy Scouts, Kennett Senior Center, Kennett Library, Youth Exchange Programs, Rotary International efforts to eradicate polio, and disaster relief efforts.

The Rotary Club of Kennett Square is made up of local business and community leaders who unite to help the local community. The group meets on Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. for lunch at La Verona Restaurant in Kennett Square.

For more information on Pet Fest volunteering, contests, donating, or vendor or sponsor information, visit www.kenntettrotary.com or contact event co-chairs Gary Pawliczek (610-563-5853 or [email protected]), or Faye Meyers at [email protected].

To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email [email protected].