Party with Dora the Explorer and your pet at PetFest 2009

Don’t forget to bring your pet to Holroyd Gardens (cnr Pitt & Walpole Sts, Merrylands) on Sunday, 20 September 2009 from 10am to 3pm to party with Dora the Explorer and to learn more about responsible pet ownership! Entry is via a gold coin donation, which goes to support local pet rescue organisations.

PetFest is about raising awareness of Holroyd City Council’s low kill policy for companion animals and raising funds to help rehome abandoned pets. The PetFest MC is the well-known Steve Austin from Harry's Practice.

Come along and meet Dora and her pet monkey Boots at the PetFest stage at 11.00am*, 12noon and 1.30pm*. Dora’s fiends Jack and Jess from Stockland will also be at PetFest teaching children how to become even better pet owners.

In the MembersFirst Arena, kids can have even more fun watching the dancing and performing dogs, getting up close to scaly and slimy critters from the Australian Wildlife Display plus get a bit country at the sheep shearing and herding.

Along with the excellent entertainment, there will be competitions, prizes and giveaways galore. Competitions include the Network Nine Pet Passion for Fashion Parade with the following categories: Best Dressed Pet; Most Unique Pet; Best Pet Strut; and Pet Owner Look Alike.

Dog Races – owners and dogs team up to race against other energetic pups. Dogs must be on a lead (Register between 11am and 12noon at the Holroyd City Council stall).

Earisistible Ears Guessing Competition – Visit the Holroyd City Council stall between 11am and 12noon to enter via a gold coin donation for your chance to win some great prizes donated by Aussie Pooch Mobile with the winner announced at 2pm.

“PetFest is a fun day out for pets and their owners with information about relevant services available both commercially and from Council. It’s not just about dogs and cats, but all sorts of pets,” said Holroyd City Mayor Clr Greg Cummings.

There will be free pony rides and animal farm, face painting as well as fun activities at the Bunnings Villawood Craft Corner, so come and get your face painted and be sure not to miss the Australian Flyball Association, back again this year, with teams competing for the prestigious Holroyd City Flyball Cup.

We would like to thank the following sponsors for supporting PetFest 2009:

Major sponsors: MemberFirst Credit Union – Merrylands and Nine Network.

Gold sponsors: Aussie Pooch Mobile – Greystanes and JJ Richards & Sons Pty Ltd

Silver Sponsors: Nelson's Grove Retirement Village and The Inflatable Event Company

Bronze: PetBarn – Northmead

Print Media Sponsor: Parramatta Sun

Print Sponsor: Centrum Printing

Thanks also to Bunnings - Villawood, Final Stage Enhancements, Pillingers Hiring Service, Stockland -Merrylands, Woolworths, Yennora and Dogs Life Magazine.

*Subject to change.

Ends

For further information contact the Media Relations and Promotions Manager on 9840 9717, 0416 105 029 or email web2@holroyd.nsw.gov.au.