People and pets are invited to the Columbus Hitching Lot Farmers’ Market Thursday at 6 p.m. for an event sponsored by the Lowndes County Prevention Partnership.
“Pets About Prevention” is a free, family-friendly event where pets of all shapes and sizes are welcome to attend and the goal is to talk about prevention of alcohol and drug use with the children of Lowndes County.
“Come old and young with one pet or the whole zoo!” said event coordinator Santee Ezell of the Lowndes County Prevention Partnership. “You don’t have a pet … bring your favorite stuffed animal. We want everyone to participate and learn about alcohol and drug prevention.”
Why pets?
“Everyone loves their furry friends and enjoys spending time with their pet and parading them around. You can even win awards for your pet’s beauty and uniqueness,” explained Ezell. “While our goal is to educate the community about Alcohol and Drug Prevention, as a partnership committee, we believe more families will participate in our event if there is food and a fun, positive theme to connect to.”
This event is a unique pet parade and pageant. Instead of an interview portion, pet owners are asked to share a fact about alcohol and drug prevention. Registration begins at 5 p.m.
“It will be interesting for parents to hear what their kids know about prevention from alcohol and drugs,” said Ezell.
Judges will look for the Most Unusual Pet, Most Colorful Pet, Best Dressed Pet, Best Small Pet, Best Large Pet, Best Pet of Show, Judges’ Choice Awards, Best Smile on a Pet, Best Pet Hair, Most Photogenic Pet, Pet with the Best Personality, and the Best Prevention Fact.
Winning owners and pets will be presented with sashes and awards. Halloween costumes are encouraged but by no means mandatory for pets or pet owners; judges will only be looking at the pet. Prevention Partnership staff remind owners to keep all animals safely restrained during the event.
Prevention focus
While the parade and pageant portion of the event is the main focus, the Misssissippi State University Mobile Vet Trailer and the Mississippi Highway Patrol Drunk Driving Simulator will be on hand. Food will be available from the East Columbus Lions Club. Mothers Against Drunk Drivers, fire trucks, police and sheriff vehicles and drug dogs will be present.
The goal of the Lowndes County Prevention Partnership is to work together as a community to prevent underage drinking and prescription drug abuse throughout Lowndes County. For more information about the event or to get involved in community coalition prevention efforts, contact Ezell at 662-328-9225 or [email protected]. The Farmers’ Market is located at the Second Street and Second Avenue North.
Community Counseling Services is a comprehensive community mental health center providing quality mental health through diversified services. For more information, call 524-4347 or visit ccsms.org.
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