Pet lovers in Independence look alive, the city's fifth annual pet parade is set for Saturday.
The Independence Parks and Recreation Department, in conjunction with the Kiwanis Club of Independence, will host from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. "Pets in the Park," an event for families and their pets at Santa Fe Park, 2900 S. Santa Fe Road.
"We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Independence Kiwanis Club and the city of Independence Animal Services to bring this great program for families, their pets, and all pet lovers," Jeff Umbreit, recreation program supervisor, said in a statement.
Umbriet said rabies vaccinations through the Independence Animal Hospital, 300 S. Noland Road, micro-chipping, and demonstrations by The Dog Agility Group and the Independence Police Department's K-9 Unit will be a part of the day's activities.
A discounted fee of $5 will be applied for the rabies vaccinations and $10 for micro-chipping. Both the vaccinations and micro-chipping will be given from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Santa Fe Park.
Families can also learn about the care and the proper treatment of animals, pet services, adoption options, services provided by local not-for-profit animal organizations, opportunities to volunteer at the city's animal shelter and register for give-a-ways.
Children ages 12 or younger may enter their pet in the pet parade and competition. All pets are welcome on a leash or in a cage. Children over the age of 12, their parents and friends are welcome to walk in the parade.
Registration for the competition is from 9:45 to 10:15 a.m. at the north entrance of Santa Fe Park. The parade begins at 11 a.m. with the presentation of awards following.
As part of the pet contest, ribbons will be awarded to the top three places in each category and a $50 savings bond donated by Blue Ridge Bank and Trust Company, 4200 S. Little Blue Parkway, will be given to the "Best American Pet." All participants will receive a ribbon.
The 12 pet categories are: smallest, largest, longest tail, youngest, largest ears, best costume, funniest, best trick, most unusual, oldest, friendliest, largest ears and pet/owner look alike.
The parade route will begin at the north Santa Fe parking lot, go south to the maintenance drive, and then turn left onto the maintenance drive to the concession area between baseball fields No. 1 and No. 2.
"We are asking that the public bring bath towels, canned kitten and puppy food, bleach, laundry detergent, spray bottles, dog and cat treats, and leashes," said Sandy Naylor of the Independence Kiwanis Club.
The items will be donated to the Independence Animal Shelter, Naylor said.
"Pets in the Park" is a free event and will be held rain or shine. For more information, call the Independence Parks and Recreation Department at 816- 325-7951 or 325-7843.
