By Chris Bavender
For the seventh year the popular Pet Pavilion will be a part of the annual Sept. 10-11 Lions Club Fall Festival.
“It was originally located in a low traffic area of the park and was a relatively small part of Fall Festival,” said Michael Heffner, pet pavilion coordinator. “Now we are centrally located in the highest traffic area in the park and are also central to all of the fun.”
Each year the Pet Pavilion has around 15 pet-related vendors, including rescue organizations, veterinary services, pet supply sales and boarding facilities. The Humane Society for Boone County will return this year with pet adoptions. Midwest Search Dogs will also be back for another year with an informational booth, plus demonstrations on how their dogs work to save lives.
Each year the Pet Pavilion features new vendors. This year Leader Dogs will make its debut.
“Providing Leader Dogs for the visually impaired is one of the most important functions of the Lions Club, and this year we will have this group, along with some of their puppies/dogs in various stages of training,” Heffner said. “We expect that our guests will be as excited as we are to learn how this important work is accomplished.”
The Pet Pavilion and Safety Zone share the Exposition Tent, located between the two areas where many demonstrations take place. The Sept. 10 shows include a K-9 demo with ZPD Officer Brad Keifer and police dog Eso, Heffner said. On Sept. 11, Animalia will be back with three new shows in the Exposition Tent.
Heffner said every year organizers try to make Pet Pavilion the “best one yet” and believe this year’s additions will continue to build on that success.
“There is something for every member of the family with an emphasis on fun for the young and young at heart,” he said. “Check us out, we promise to entertain and educate at the same time.”
