March 31, 2006 – With only about six weeks left until the May 13 Wagapalooza, it's time to tune up the dogs for this annual event held at the Winston Wells Ballfield in Cruz Bay.
"It's fun, and it's a great community event," said organizer Nancy Louis of the Animal Care Center of St. John.
St. John students are invited to participate in the center's art contest. The winning pictures will be featured on the organization's official T-shirts to be sold at next year's event.
Artwork must include both cats and dogs. It must also promote kindness to animals. Artwork must be submitted to the Animal Care Center by May 8.
Winners will be announced at Wagapalooza. The winner in each category will receive 10 free T-shirts and 10 free Kaleidoscope movie rentals.
Categories for the sixth annual Wagapalooza include best island dog, best trick, most look alike, best costume, best in show, and the "Babe" award that goes to the best rescued dog. Rescued dogs are those that were saved or found on the street.
This year, the organizers decided to hold the event in the evening because it's too hot in the daytime for the dogs and the spectators.
"Hopefully, we'll have more dogs this way," Louis said.
Food and drink will be on sale, and Carolina Coral will offer donkey rides.
Advance registration is $35. Sign up from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Wednesday until the event. This registration is held at the Marketplace in conjunction with the center's adoption clinic.
People who register in advance at the Marketplace will get $5 in Marketplace Bucks that can be used at any of the shopping center's stores, except Starfish Market.
Advance registration will also be held on May 5, 6 and 12 at Skinny Legs Bar and Restaurant in Coral Bay. The May 5 and 12 registration runs during happy hour. The May 6 registration runs all afternoon.
Registration at the event is from 4 to 5 p.m. The registration fee the day of event is $50.
All money raised at Wagapalooza goes to fund Animal Care Center activities. The center needs raffle prizes and grand prizes for the dog winners. Call Holly Hardy at 776-7700.
Volunteers for advance work, volunteers for the day of the event, and people who wish to post an advertisement on the T-shirts should call Louis at 779-4731.

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