High Falls Pet Show 2012. Sat, May 19, 10-1. Community Church yard, 2nd St, High Falls. Pet Show Contest featuring prizes. Free admission. Contest entry is $4 per furry friend.  Sponsor: High Falls Civic Association. www.highfallscivic.org/ or 845-687-4566.

HIGH FALLS, ULSTER COUNTY, USA – Animals across the Mid-Hudson Valley are already busy preening, cleaning, trimming, grooming and practicing their most graceful and elaborate moves in preparation for this year’s edition of the High Falls Pet Show, taking place on Saturday, May 19.

The celebrated annual event will be held in the Community Church of High Falls yard on Second Street in the hamlet of High Falls off of Route 213. The event runs from 10am to 1pm. All pets must be on a leash, in a carrier or otherwise humanely restrained by the owner. Registration begins at 10am. Pets who plan to compete in contests must pay a $4 fee per creature. 

"Our animal companions give us so much in terms of support and unconditional love," said Pet Show co-coordinator Ingrid Frengle-Burke of High Falls, who wrangled the event with her spouse Aaron. "At the High Falls Pet Show, we humans have a chance to return the love. Today’s child with a well-trained pet will certainly become tomorrow's responsible adult."

All proceeds will benefit the High Falls Civic Association (HFCA), a community group dedicated to preserving the myriad joys and traditions and environmental duties of small-town America. HFCA holds several well-attended community events and celebrations throughout the year, to raise morale and to beautify the community.

General pet judging takes place from 10-11am, in which all pets will be evaluated for good breeding, friendly behavior, cuddly quotients and photogenic qualities.

The special judging commences at 11am. A quorum of distinguished judges will select the recipients of special ribbons for exemplary areas of merit. The categories for competition this year are:

Pet Owner Look-Alike Award; Call of the Wild (Vocal Talent); Obedient School Graduate (special tricks); Best Pet Story (very short story); Kids Only (several awards given); Best All-American Mutt; Most Unusual Pet;  The Graybeards (elder pets); The Whippersnappers (junior pets); ET Award (homely but cute).

Two prominent pets will be graced with the crowning titles of Ms. High Falls and Mr. High Falls for the distinction of most engaging overall personality.

Throughout the High Falls Pet Show event, vendors will sell pet-related toys and food. There will be information available regarding the proper care and socialization of your furry friend. Learn about local services, such as short-term boarding, day care, Western and alternative veterinarians, animal training and pet sitting.  Animal rescue and adoption information will be available.

Owners attending the Pet Show are urged to bring adequate food and water for the safety and comfort of their animal companions.

There is no admission cost for non-animal attendance of The High Falls Pet Show 2012. However, humans should bring scads of pocket change for human food and drink, as well as for pet-related treats and accessories.

Please note: Owners are responsible for their respective pets. The High Falls Civic Association and Town of Marbletown assume no responsibility for damages caused by pets, owners or other parties.

The High Falls Civic Association needs dedicated neighbors to attend monthly planning meetings, held the first Wednesday of each month at the High Falls Café in its new location at the Stone Dock Golf Course. The next meeting is Wednesday, June 6 at 6pm. To learn more about HFCA, visit www.highfallscivic.org or call 845-399-8981.