CARSTAIRS - Plans for the second annual Carstairs Animal Expo in early April are well underway. Organizers have made a few small but noticeable changes based on feedback from last year's event, the first one.
Tonya Lowry, one of the co-organizers along with Kelsey Logan, said the event was well received last year and they're looking forward to improving on it. The expo is very important for raising funds for a local organization that helps animal owners in need.
"It's a fundraiser for Carstairs Pet Relief," said Lowry. "It's put on by the Town of Carstairs and Carstairs Pet Relief."
Lowry said that Carstairs Pet Relief is an organization that helps people who may be having hard times financially and may be struggling to pay their veterinary bills.
The Animal Expo goes on April 8 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Carstairs Arena.
"It's an anything-animal trade fair," said Lowry. "We have about 40 vendors. We have children's entertainment such as a face painter and balloon twister. We have a full concession."
Other vendors at the expo include an animal communicator, holistic medicine for animals, veterinary clinics, dog groomers, horse trainers and more.
"You name it, we probably have it," she said. "Almost anything to do with animals."
Lowry said last year's event went all right but she expects this year to be much bigger and better.
"Last year was our first year planning something like this," she said. "We were a little under the gun as to what to do. We learned a lot that we've put to use this year."
Lowry said one of the big changes is moving the event from Friday evening to Saturday during the day.
"It didn't do so well Friday night," she said. "This year it's Saturday all day which is what the vendors requested last year anyway."
Lowry said people can expect a professional-looking event with plenty to do and see.
"The town donates all the tables and chairs and curtains," she said. "It's really well done. There are lots of samples and demonstrations. There are pet treat companies-I saw people walking around with bags full of demo stuff. This year we're going for the gusto."
The event is free to the public. Lowry reminds people they should not bring their pets.
"There will be animals there for demos," she said. "If people really want to bring their pet down they would have to provide the Town of Carstairs with their vet records the day before the event."
