April 11, 2007 — Arf! Arf! The territory's dogs are busy practicing for the seventh annual Wagapalooza to be held May 12 at Winston Wells Ballfield in Cruz Bay.
Nancy Louis, who heads the publicity committee, said that Wagapalooza is the Animal Care Center's biggest fund-raiser. Additionally, it provides a fun evening for participants and folks who watch the show.
"It's a hoot," she said.
This year's Wagapalooza will feature St. Croix radio personality Roger W. Morgan, of Paradise 93.5, as master of ceremonies.
"Roger will be a huge plus for 'Waga' this year. Attendance should hit an all-time high," committee member Bonny Corbeil said in a news release.
Louis said that this year the Wagapalooza committee hopes to have at least 100 entries. Last year, 40 dogs and their owners participated.
In order to accommodate the extra dogs, they've added new categories, which include: best lap dog, pooch who can smooch, best tiny tugger, best doggy dancer, aged to perfection (for dogs over age 10), and puppy love for dogs under a year.
The old favorites — like best costume, best island dog, best trick, and best look-alike — remain.
The best in show award goes to the dog with the highest score. The Babe Award is given to the best dog rescued from the Animal Care Center.
The committee also plans an event for children under age 16 and their dogs.
Advance registration runs $10 per category, while registration, starting at 4 p.m. on the day of the event is $20. Dog owners who register in three categories pay only $20 for all three if they register in advance. There's no price break for registering in three categories on the day of the event.
Registration for children under age 16 is free no matter when they register. "Get your kids out early," Louis urged.
Food and T-shirts will be for sale during the event, which runs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
This year's T-shirt, themed "I need a friend," was designed by Nadia Sharif, a Gifft Hill School student.
For more information, call the Animal Care Center at 774-1625.
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