Animal lovers have a chance to unite and have fun at this year?s annual Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals annual Animal Expo to be held at the Botanical Gardens this Saturday.

This year?s SPCA Animal Expo will include demonstrations for children on how to care for pets, a pony gymkhana, and dog agility.

?Come see the ?parrot lady?, a live snake, the dancing dog and a bevy of beautiful, exotic cats,? said SPCA president Heather Kromer. ?Play some games, buy a few books, sit and eat an ice cream. Get yourself tattooed.?

This is one of the few events in Bermuda that you can enjoy with the whole family ? including your dog.

?We are so looking forward to this year?s Animal Expo and anticipate that it will be even better than last year?s fair,? said Mrs. Kromer. ?We guarantee that fun will prevail.

?Not only will there be added activities and events, but we will be presenting some new and exciting ring events, some great new kids? games as well as a Critter Chatter tent. This year, the Aquarium will join us with their invasive species theme, snake and all.?

There will be a food tent, a canteen in the bleachers and numerous carnival snacks and baked goods.

The Expo will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The day will include old favourites such as the SPCA Pet Parade, dog agility events and whippet racing, trinkets and treasures, book, bake and plant stalls as well as children?s games.

?We are hoping to match last year?s record crowd,? said Mrs. Kromer.

Entrance will be at the gate on Berry Hill Road. Admission will be free and there will be a minimal $2 per vehicle charge for parking to cover the costs associated with use of the grounds.

Our raffle draw will take place at 5 p.m. where the lucky winners will receive their prizes including a trip to London on British Airways, a PGO 50cc Scooter, weekends for two at some great local properties and much more.

Also at hand will be the SPCA animal calendar celebrating Bermuda?s animals.

All money raised from the Expo and raffle will be used for the SPCA?s operating expenses that include food, veterinary care, bedding and toys for the animals.

For further details, please contact Heather Kromer at 293-6409, Theresa Ince at 236-7333 or Diana Downs at 236-2394.