Get pet products, advice at expo
Animal lovers of all ages will gather at Arlington Park racetrack this weekend, not to bet on the ponies, but to celebrate smaller animal friends -- dogs, cats, birds and even some exotic animals.
The 16th annual Chicagoland Family Pet Expo will offer more than 300 exhibits of pet-related products and services, as well as demonstrations, entertainment and hands-on attractions. It's open from 2 to 7 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
"The purpose of the expo is to show pet lovers their many options when it comes to food and accessories, and to educate them about pet rescues and the various breeds," said Joyce McNeely of Tower Show Productions of Glen Ellyn, the show's organizer. "Our aim is to help them make a decision that is wise both for them and for the animal."
No animal can exchange hands on the premises of the show, McNeely said.
"So there won't be any breeders at the show. But there will be breed clubs educating people about the various breeds and there will be a parade of breeds so that people can see what the various breeds look like," she said.
Historically, the show has been extremely popular, attracting 18,500 people last year.
But the beloved pets themselves are not invited to attend the show for safety reasons, McNeely said.
Entertainment during the three days will include dock jumping demonstrations each day by the Ultimate Air Dogs, often seen on ESPN's "Great Outdoor Games." At the Pet Expo, these dogs will demonstrate how they jump off of a 20-foot dock into a 30-foot pool.
All three days there also will be periodic high-energy canine disc-catching shows set to music by the Windy City K-9 Disc Club and "Dancing with Dogs" demonstrations and competitions by the World Canine Freestyle Organization. In addition, "Dogs in Motion" will be demonstrating exercises you can do with your older animals to make their aching joints feel better.
On Saturday, the crowds can also see the Lovable Pooch Contest, hosted by Steve Dale from WGN's "Pet Central," at 3 p.m., followed by the Parade of Breeds at 4 p.m.
Cat and bird lovers have their shows from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. The Cat'n on the Fox Cat Club will host a CFA All-Breed Cat Show and the Greater Chicago Cage Bird Club will hold a show which displays parrots, lovebirds, budgies and cockatiels.
Admission to the show costs $10, $6 for children. That includes everything except what you choose to purchase or eat, McNeely said. Children ages 2 and younger get in free. Parking costs $6.
For more information, call (800) 946-4611 or visit petchicago.com.
16th annual Chicagoland Pet Expo
2 to 7 p.m., Friday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday
Arlington Park, 2200 W. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights
$10, $6 for children, free for children 2 and younger. Parking costs $6.
(800) 946-4611 or visit petchicago.com