Critter Carnival

We will be holding the Critter Carnival, a family FUN raiser, on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009 onsite at the Shelter at 19686 8th Street East in Sonoma. From 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., the entire animal-loving community is invited to celebrate the critters that make the Sonoma Valley special, with a variety of festivities for all ages.

There is no admission fee to the Critter Carnival, which will include a magic show by Lee Blackwood, live music by Mark Dennis and games for kids. Several turtles and a large tortoise will be on hand from Turtle Rescue & Friends as well as an exotic bird show. Hump-free the camel from Lyon Ranch will make a special appearance. For a small donation, attendees will have an opportunity to have their picture taken with Hump-free and to have their face painted by Popo the Clown.

Tickets will be available for traditional carnival food like hot dogs, cotton candy and soda, as well as healthy snacks like fresh fruit and juices. For adults there will be a Mimosa and Wine bar. Costco in Rohnert Park and Korbel Champagne Cellars are sponsors of the event. In addition, a silent auction of fun items including animal-themed artwork will be available. All proceeds will support the animals at Pets Lifeline.

The Critter Carnival will culminate in a “Sonoma Overnight Experience” drawing. For each $20 ticket, which benefits the Shelter animals, there are three chances to win either:

• An overnight stay at McArthur Place and dinner at Saddles Steakhouse. Valued at $525.

• An overnight at The Lodge at Sonoma along with a Raindance Spa 50 minute signature massage. Valued at $440.

• Dinner for 4 at “the girl & the fig” and Maya’s in downtown Sonoma. Valued at $310.

Tickets for the drawing can be purchased in advance at Casey's Place, Hardin Gardens, Fine Line, Reader's Books, Sandbox, Sonoma Pet Center and Tiddle E. Winks Vintage Five & Dime in Sonoma through Oct. 3 and at the event on Oct. 4.

Coming off the success of the Black Cat Cabaret, Pets Lifeline wants the Critter Carnival to be a community-wide party that honors the animals in our lives. “We hope that families and supporters everywhere will come out for some animal-themed revelry,” said Desiree Stinson, executive director of Pets Lifeline. “Come one, come all!”