West Chicago Blooming Fest Introduces My Pet Rocks Contest
West Chicago, Illinois: March 22, 2012 - Does your pet have what it takes? Dogs and their people are invited to participate in the My Pet Rocks Contest created by organizers of West Chicago's Blooming Fest, a downtown garden festival that takes place on Main Street, on Saturday, May 19, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The new activity, scheduled for 3:00 p.m. that day, is coordinated by the West Chicago Park District and is the latest addition to a festival that continues to grow each year.
"Based on the continually increasing number of people bringing their dogs to Blooming Fest year after year, a pet-friendly activity seemed in order," said Rosemary Mackey of the City of West Chicago. "It's one more element of a fun-filled event that strives to have something for everyone. Blooming Fest is a perennial favorite among gardeners, shoppers, families, and day-trippers. We want to add pet-enthusiasts to the mix", said Mackey. The activity will take place on the 100 block of Main Street. As always according to City code, dogs need to be on-leash.
Among the categories of judging in the My Pet Rocks Contest are: largest dog, smallest dog, dog with the biggest ears, cutest dog, longest tail, shortest tail, dog with the most spots, most unusual, best dressed, and best person/pet look-alike. Several West Chicago pet care businesses have enthusiastically volunteered to serve as judges. Scott Westlake of Bob's Salt and Feed, Leigh Casino of Hightails Hideaway, and Lee Deaton of Natural Healing Whole Dog Wellness will be on-hand to share in the fun and dole out the prize ribbons for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners.
Pre-registration applications are available on both the City's and Park District's websites. "This being our first year, it would be helpful for those interested to sign up ahead of time so we have an idea of what kind of turn-out to expect, but walk-ups are welcome and can register at the Park District booth up to 2:00 p.m., an hour prior to the start of the event," said Glory Spies of the West Chicago Park District.
According to Spies, in addition to the fun of the new fun-friendly competition, the activity will also bring some well-deserved exposure for the Park District's wonderful facility, Wiggly Field Park which will be promoted at the My Pet Rocks Contest. The beautiful private, permit-only dog park is located in Reed-Keppler Park near the Dyer Nature Sanctuary. "We have this terrific dog park right in our community and want to encourage its use. As a matter of fact, we are hosting our free annual Wiggly Field Bark Bash on April 28, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., which gives people and their pooches an opportunity to check it out while enjoying exhibits, activities, doggy demos, annual membership sign up and more."
Applications for the My Pet Rocks Contest are available at www.westchicago.org under Forms or at www.we-goparks.org under News and Events.