For pets and the humans who love them, the fourth annual Leader Pet Expo is the place to be from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 6, at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, 10349 Business 21, in Hillsboro.
“The Pet Expo brought 1,300 people and several hundred pets last year, and we hope it continues to grow,” Leader managing editor Kim Robertson said. “Humans and pets alike have been amazingly well-behaved. There are lots of educational and fun opportunities for families who love their animals.”
Admission for the expo is $1 for humans, who are encouraged to bring their friendly pets. The admission fee will be donated to the Hillsboro Community Civic Club, which oversees operations at the fairgrounds.
Pets are not allowed inside the Civic Club building but are welcome throughout the grounds. All pets must be on a non-retractable leash or in a secure carrier, and their human companions must clean up after them. Water stations and cleanup supplies will be provided, courtesy of Leader Publications and Old Towne Fenton Veterinary Hospital.
The expo will be chock-full of entertainment, including a high-flying dog show; Serengeti Steve’s comedic and educational Reptile Experience; a Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office K-9 demonstration; and a barrel-racing demonstration, weather and arena conditions permitting. A pet parade also is tentatively scheduled, depending on weather and ground conditions. Animals *R* Us will have a free petting zoo throughout the day, and the Jefferson County 4-H Dream Catchers Club will have horses and ponies on display and offer pony rides for $5.
A number of vendors who offer services and products for pets will be on hand. Vendor booths are still available.
Applause Productions DJ and Video will provide sound at the event, and a variety of foods, beverages and snacks will be available for purchase.
The Leader Publications Pet Expo Calendar, which is filled with photos of local pets, will be on sale for $5 each. Proceeds from the calendar sales will benefit Helping Hands and Horses in Herculaneum, which provides no-cost equine therapy to children and adults with physical and mental disabilities.
Some of the vendors slated to be at the expo include High Ridge Farm & Home Supply; Buchheit of House Springs; Champions Mercantile of Festus; animal hospitals from Festus, Bloomsdale, House Springs, High Ridge, Fenton and De Soto; Pawjama Party Kennels of Pevely; Open Door Animal Sanctuary; Paw Paw’s Pet Services; Waterfalls Unlimited; Sam’s Club; the Medicine Shoppe in Pevely; Furplus City; Regal Cleaning Services in Arnold; Imperial Fence; the Missouri State Humane Association; Sunny Rock Animal Chiropractic; Farmer’s Insurance; and Canine Connection Pet Grooming.
Circle of Life Animal Hospital in the Festus area will hold a rabies clinic, offering pet vaccinations, from noon to 2 p.m., and High Ridge Animal Hospital will offer one from 2-4 p.m. that will also include microchipping and nail clipping.
Terry’s Burger Bar will sell hamburgers, hot dogs, bratwurst, bloomin’ onions, French fries, nachos and other concessions, and Tropical Treats will sell snow cones, popcorn and kettle corn. Boy Scouts will sell soda, water and beef sticks.
The expo is sponsored by Leader Publications and the Hillsboro Community Civic Club.
For information about the Pet Expo or to reserve a booth, call the Leader at 636-931-7560.
