Ladner's Memorial Park will be teeming with critters and furry friends Sunday thanks to the eighth annual Delta Community Animal Expo.
The fun, family event, set to start at 10 a. m., is shaping up really well, says Delta Community Animal Shelter manager Sarah Jones.
"We're super excited for this year. Every year it seems to get better and better," she says.
She notes the very first year there were 18 exhibitors and now there's a waitlist for spots. This time around there will be over 60, she says, noting they range from not-for-profit animal adoption organizations, to advocacy groups, sanctuary or rescue groups to businesses that support pet ownership.
The expo also offers lots of activities and demos.
"We have a bunch of new things this year," says Jones.
One of those is a "Build a Doghouse Challenge ," which is presented in partnership with the Lakes Animal Friendship Society. Competitors will race to finish putting together doghouse kits while there will be crowd favourite voting and also a "Pup's Pick " where a special canine judge will choose his favourite doghouse. The finished doghouses will then be auctioned off. The challenge starts at 11 a. m.
Also new this year is a lure course which costs $10 to try out.
"Basically, their dogs become agility stars ," says Jones.
There will be agility equipment set up including tunnels, jumps and corners where dogs chase a line, typically with a bag on the end of it.
"Any dog you'd think wouldn't do it, does it. It's amazing."
B.C. Guide Dogs is also setting up a guided walk where participants are blindfolded and walked through a maze with dogsin-training.
There is a packed schedule at the expo's Tollie Fund Activity Arena with demonstrations, games and a first aid class at the end of the day.
Expo favourites like the rabbit agility event are also returning, she adds.
Jones says she appreciates local sponsors and businesses who've been very generous with their support.
The expo runs from 10 a. m. to 3 p. m. at Memorial Park, 5010-47th Ave., Ladner.
Guests are encouraged to pick up an "expo passport " information pamphlet /map at the event.
"There's tons of stuff going on, so it's really important that people get the passport when they come."
Anyone posting pictures to social media is also encouraged to use the hashtag #DeltaAnimalExpo.
Proceeds go towards the local shelter's Tollie Fund.
"This fund allows the shelter to provide veterinarian assistance, behaviour rehabilitation or other types of support to help Delta's abandoned animals have a chance at a healthy adoption," explains the event's Facebook page.
Visit Delta.ca/AnimalShelter for more on the shelter or expo.
