Libraries are more than books. Some kids need a little direction to get the creative juices flowing. I gleaned the following from PUBYAC contributors. If you're a member, check out the archives for 8-4-2008. Please add YOUR comments. Your colleagues would appreciate hearing what works, and what didn't!
You may want to partnership with a Pet Store or Animal Shelter.
NOTE: You can always have a PET PHOTOGRAPH CONTEST as an alternative.
"Pets on the Prowl"
REGISTRATION:
RULES FOR PARTICIPATION:
- Pets must be up to date for all vaccination shots
- Pets must be under the control of their owner AT ALL TIMES.
- All pets must be on a leash or in a carrier.
- (You could also allow stuffed pets, if you think that some kids may feel left out.)
- Signed permission form in advance.
LAYOUT OF ROOM/AREA:
- If weather permits, you may want to hold this event outside of your library.
- Have two tables set up at the end of the room/area, so that children may place their pets or cages holding the pets on display
- Have a walkway go all around the head table, so that children who have pets on leashes may walk them back and forth.
- Also, this allows pets who know some tricks room to display their talents.
- Keep the area pretty open. Seating can be set up auditorium style.
PROGRAM:
- Each child gets to introduce their animal, and tell the audience something about their pet.
- Judges will spend a few minutes asking the candidates questions. (About 3 Judges is the max.)
- If the animal knows a trick, the child can have the pet perform.
- After each animal has had the spotlight, ALL the owners and animals march around the library--outside or inside, if bad weather, while judges mark the awards.
- Each child will get to walk their pet in a parade around the seating--you may want to have all the same type of animal parade together.
- Prizes for the largest, smallest, oldest, most agile, best groomed, best costume, scariest, most talented, longest tail, brightest eyes, softest fur…
- Bottom line: every pet is a winner.
- The child gets to walk his pet up to receive the reward. (Perfect photo op)
PRIZES:
- Blue Ribbons--Pet Show on one side, name of winner and owner on attachment
- Certificates with various headings
- Optional: Jingle bell toys for cats; rubber toys for dogs; special food for birds and fish; chocolate bars for the owners.
CAUTION:
- If it's a hot day, have your hose hooked up and plenty of water dishes for the dogs.
- Have plenty of Adult volunteers.
REFRESHMENTS:
- Don't get carried away with refreshments, simple cookies and lemonade should be fine.
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