10th Annual Arizona Animal Fair in Tucson – March 5, 2011

Tucson is home to one of the largest day-long festivals celebrating animals in the Southwest: the Arizona Animal Fair.

The Fair happens Saturday, March 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Reid Park (22nd St. at Country Club Blvd., near the off-leash dog park). The event is free and open to the public. Well-behaved people and pets are welcome. Pets must be on a 6-foot or shorter leash at all times.

More than 30 rescue groups will set up in the Super Adoption area. Meet dogs, cats, and ferrets as well as llamas, horses, miniature horses, burros, and goats.

Scheduled entertainment includes “Muttalica’s Rocking Rescue Dog Sport and Comedy Show,” demonstrations by Police K-9s, Sweetwater Stockdogs sheep herding, Dust Devil Flyball Dog Racing, Tucson Musical Canine Freestyle Club, plus educational demos involving birds of prey, professional dog training, and pet safety for children.

Live music, described as “Backwoods-Americana Blues,” can be enjoyed in the pet-friendly beer garden from noon to 4 p.m.

Vaccinations for dogs will be available during the event at the Animal Birth Control of Tucson tent for only $9 each, licensing provided on-site by Pima Animal Care Center and low-cost micro-chipping will be available at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona booth.

This is your opportunity to learn about the many low-cost or no-cost spay and neuter options available in Pima County.

Last year it was cold and rainy. This year let’s all chant for warm and pleasant. Don’t forget to stop by the Arizona Greyhound Rescue booth where you and your pet can create Puppy Pawcasso art that you will treasure forever.

The Arizona Animal Fair is hosted by the Tucson-based nonprofit animal rescue group Saving Animals from Euthanasia (SAFE). The purpose of the event is to promote the welfare of animals by educating the community about the humane treatment of animals, the importance of sterilization and micro-chipping, and the re-homing of the lost and abandoned.

And of course, if you want to get involved and volunteer, check out the volunteer application.

I will be volunteering in the AWASA (Animal Welfare Alliance of Southern Arizona) booth in early part of the event. Please come by and say hello.

(Photo is courtesy of Cynthia David. Mimzy lives with Harmony greyhound but Mimzy is the boss.)

Please send photos of your dogs, cats, horses, and other pets to tucson.tails@yahoo.com. Include your name, photo credit (if different), pet’s name, and one sentence about them.

The 10th Annual Arizona Animal Fair is an all-day festival celebrating pets! The event is attended by over 8,000 people, all proceeds from the event benefit the animal rescue community. Can you help?

Event Date: Saturday March 5, 2011 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Set-up: Thursday March 3 (physical labor) & Friday March 4 (somewhat physical)

Volunteers are critical to the success of this event. Grab a friend or teenager (or a gaggle of young adults) and c’mon down. Meet like-minded animal lovers and have fun.

Assistance is needed with the following:
–Super Adoption Area – help meet the goal of finding forever homes for 100+ animals!
–Vendor Relief – the fun job of cruisin’ the fair, offering breaks to vendors as needed.
–Event set-up & break-down – put your muscles to work and it burns calories
–Food Court & Beer Garden – keeping everything tidy & safe for fair goers
–Pet Psychic Booth – schedule appointments with our animal intuition expert
–SAFE Store – sell t-shirts and other cool stuff with all proceeds benefiting SAFE (Saving Animals from Euthanasia)

Location: Reid Park, on the NE corner of 22nd St/Country Club Blvd.

If you only have an hour to help set up (during your lunch hour), all hands are welcome. But, people who volunteer for a 4-hour shift or longer receive a free awesome t-shirt commemorating the 10th annual event.

Read the specifics and how to sign up.

(Photo is courtesy of Bonnie Lewis. Cuvee belongs to Yvonne Foucher, owner of Catavinos Wine Shoppe. Cuvee often greets customers.)