Our pets love us unconditionally and now you can show your appreciation to your dog by bringing your best friend out to the park for a full day of fun.  Both pets and  owners are offered a full weekend of exhibits, demonstrations, entertainment, and more at Charleston’s premiere pet festival –  Pet Fest – on  Saturday, April 10 and Sunday, April 11 at Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park.

Last year’s event was visited by more than 1600 pets and their owners, and no wonder. The event is packed with information for pet owners and fun, all in a pet-friendly environment.

Here are some of the highlights:

· K9s in Flight Frisbee Dogs and Dock Diving – Shows scheduled for 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
· Dock Diving for visiting canines (new for 2010!), for a charitable donation to Humane Net
· Lowcountry Dog Magazine’s Cover Model Contest – Enter your dog for a chance to be on the cover of Lowcountry Dog Magazine
· Dolittle’s Interactive Tent – Tons of fun doggie games and a chance to win a year supply of food
· Charleston Kennel Club’s “Meet the Breed Dog Show” – Enter your own purebred or family dog
· Canine Good Citizen Tests – Would your pooch make a good therapy dog (Saturday only)
· Pet Contests – Best Trick, Owner Pet Look-Alike, A Face Only a Mother Could Love, Musical Sit
· Dog costume contest (new for 2010!) – Dress your best to win prizes
· Chow Down Like Your Hound – Human-grade dog food eating contest (kids and adults)
· Lowcountry Kitten Rescue Animal ER – Ages 8 & up can explore careers in veterinary medicine
· Microchipping Clinic (Saturday Only)
· STAR (Search Tactics And Rescue) Demonstrations
· Veterinarians, Trainers, Groomers and Pet Suppliers
· Dog Washing Station
· Rescue Groups and Adoption Centers will have adoptable animals on-site
· Children’s Activities
· Plenty of food and beverages including special treats for the pooches, and chances to win prizes

Another anticipated event is the announcement of the winner of “From Fat to Fit: A Canine Fitness Challenge.” This is the pet world’s answer to Biggest Looser.

The event takes place on Saturday, April 10 from noon to 6 p.m. and Sunday, April 11 from noon to 6 p.m. at Palmetto Islands County Park. Admission is $5 per day. Parking is limited. Children 12 and under, Gold Pass Holders and leashed pets are free.
For information call 795-4FUN (4386) or visit www.ccprc.com/petfest.