Chicago Pet Show in St. Charles aims to bring attention to rescue groups
There may be as many definitions of the word "pet" as there are companion species and the pet caretakers who love them.
A range of pets, rescue groups, pet supply vendors and exhibitors will gather Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 9-10, for the Chicago Pet Show at the Kane County Fairgrounds in St. Charles.
"We'll have everything from Yorkies to Great Danes," said show organizer Peggy Ruh. "It's a fun time."
Adding to the menagerie will be cats, birds, fish and ferrets, along with a few reptiles.
"We even have a pig there," she said.
Ruh said several rescue groups and humane societies will be at the fairgrounds with animals available for adoption.
"The rescues come from all over," she said.
Vendors will offer food, toys, accessories and pet services for purchase. Animal trainers will give demonstrations and animal experts will offer seminars.
Saturday starts off with a kids' arts and crafts session, followed by a reptile and insect show from the Crosstown Exotics at 11 a.m., a noon demonstration of how to take pet photographs and a chinchilla show at 12:30 p.m. The chinchilla show comes back at 12:30 p.m. Sunday.
There will be a show featuring magician Mike Didomenico at 1 p.m. Saturday, followed by a 2 p.m. show with the Greater Chicago Ferret Association and a 2:30 p.m. show aimed at teaching children how to train their dogs.
Sunday's schedule includes a 1 p.m. show featuring Bubba the alligator, a longtime favorite attraction at the annual show, along with his trainer, Jim Nesci.
"This is actually the last time Jim Nesci will be there. He's moving to Florida," said Ruh.
Dachshunds on the run will be featured at 3 p.m. Sunday when the West 'Burb Wieners present Wiener Races.
The show takes place at the Prairie Events Center, a new exhibition center at the fairgrounds, Ruh said. While animals will abound, visitors are asked to leave their pets at home.
"We're trying to highlight the different rescues there," she said.
Ruh said the show has been presented each fall since 2010. It was launched by Ruh, of Yorkville, and two associates, Jessica Zeuli and Beth Casazza, in an effort to help more pets find homes through rescue organizations, she said.
Ruh said the show schedule is packed with activities and events.
"There's something different going on all the time," she said.
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Chicago Pet Show
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 9-10
Where: Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles
Admission: $7 for adults 18-64, free for kids 18 and younger accompanied by parents and for seniors 65 and older; free parking
Info: chicagopetshow.com or (630) 385-4000