Lake Eola park will be bustling with dogs of all sizes and breeds celebrating "Mardi Paws" the 19th Annual Paws in the Park event on the morning of Saturday, February 9, 2013. More than 2,500 animal lovers and their dogs are expected to attend this event that raises money for the SPCA of Central Florida. There will be activities for humans and dogs, a leisurely walk around the lake, music, food and lots of fun for the whole family.
The SPCA of Central Florida is a private, non-profit organization takes in surrendered domesticated animals by their owners who must find new homes for them. The reasons vary from no time to moving or allergies. On average, the two shelters take in almost 14,000 companion animals annually. Education, health care, spay/neuter clinics and community outreach programs are offered, as well. The SPCA of Central Florida doesn't receive any outside funding from government or private organizations. All funds raised at the Paws in the Park event go toward supporting the animals, the shelter and its programs.
The event begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends at noon. The schedule is as follows:
- 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Registration, Premiums and Krewe photos
- 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Family activities including dog agility, games and more; shopping in the Business Buddy area; activities in the Interactive Disney Kids Zone
- 10:30 a.m. Mardi Paws walk begins
- 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Contests and Prizes (pets must be spayed/neutered to enter) for Longest Stay, Most Tricks, Leave It
- 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Final Krewe photos; last chance for shopping and fun
There will be an Interactive Kids Zone sponsored by Walt Disney World Resort where kids can participate in fun activities and have an opportunity to meet a Disney character. They can make toys for the shelter animals or their own pet from recycled materials, learn way to be compassionate pet owners from SPCA experts, and be inspired to get outdoors with an activity presented by Disney's Animal Programs.
Happy Paws Pet Resort is sponsoring an Entertainment Zone where there will be music and fun for the whole family, dogs included. Activities include:
- Longest Sit
- Bones in Haystack
- Most Tricks
- Musical Dogs
- Leave It Behind
- Doggie Limbo
The entry fee is $25.00 in pledges per adult and $10.00 is pledges per child (12 years of age and under with a paid adult). Krewes are groups of people with a Krewe Captain who raise at least $500. Each Krewe will get a sign to carry displaying their chosen Krewe name and a group photo. Awards are given for levels of money raised.
For more information about "Mardi Paws" and Paws in the Park visit the SPCA of Central Florida website.
Comments