Pet Expo this Weekend

Looking for something to do this weekend?  Well you’re in luck because the pet expo is coming to town!  Not just any pet expo, America’s Family Pet Expo, which means dogs, cats, birds, fish, hamsters, bunnies, and more.  It’s sure to be a fun-filled weekend for you and the other pet lovers in your life. 

Due to its long and slightly awkward title, this expo has adopted a couple of other names such as The Original Pet Expo and the OC Pet Expo, but rest assured, they are all the same the event.  Taking place at the OC Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa, the fun kicks off Friday morning at 10 a.m. and goes until Sunday night at 6 p.m.

Each day is identical, as far as the schedule of events and exhibits, so you don’t have to worry about missing anything regardless of the day you visit.  And there is no shortage of things to see or do at this expo.  There will be Dog and Cat breed exhibits and presentations, dog training and grooming demonstrations, bird and exotic animal education and presentations, as well as fish, llama, bunny, and guinea pig presentations.  The events are sure to entertain with Splash Dogs, Wiener Races, Repticon Reptile Show, Free Flight Bird Show, Hamster Judging, Police Dog Demo, and more.   And there will be plenty of activities for the whole family such as human hamster balls, face painting, Win a Beta Fish toss, petting zoo, and pony rides. And of course, there will be pets available for adoption, so be prepared to fall in love. 

 

In addition to the events and exhibits, patrons can check out the Kid’s Aquarium Contest in the Fish section of the Expo.  In this competition, kids are encouraged to explore their creative side and design an aquarium that reflects their personality.  After submitting their aquarium creations, a ten gallon aquarium kit is donated for each contestant.   Each contestant then gets the opportunity to bring his or her creation to life by putting together a fully-functioning, personalized aquarium.  The kids are also taught about aquatic care and responsible pet ownership.  At the end of the expo, each kid (contestant) gets to take his or her aquarium home with a ribbon.   This contest encourages creativity while cultivating self-esteem and responsibility through a fun and educational experience.   Children ages 5 - 16 are encouraged to enter.  And although the contest is already closed for this year’s expo, it may be something to keep in mind for your child at next year’s expo.  Check out the America’s Family Pet Expo website for more information.   

So be sure to stop in and check out the pet expo this weekend at the OC Fairgrounds, located at 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa.  Parking is $5 per vehicle, General Admission is $13, Seniors are $11, Children 6 – 12 are $8, Children 5 & under are free, and Active or Retired Military with valid ID are free as well (but that does not include dependents).  The fun begins Friday, April 19^th, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and continues on Saturday, April 20^th, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., and wraps up on Sunday, April 21^st, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.  For more information, including directions and a time schedule, check out the America’s Family Pet Expo website.