2019 ANIMAL FEST
SEPTEMBER 2019 MARKETPLACECONTRACOSTA.COM 47
Dogs and cats, rabbits and ducks, goats, bats, chickens,
bees, and a pot-bellied pig – even an alpaca – will grace the
grounds of Christ the Lord Church, Pinole, for the sixth
annual Animal Fest. This family-friendly event will feature
animals for adoption, live presentations, a free petting zoo,
food, music, and more. Open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on
Saturday, September 21, Animal Fest is free to the public.
This year the Contra Costa County Animal Shelter will
participate once again by bringing their special mobile
adoption center with dogs and kittens. They will be joined
by a variety of non-profit rescue groups, who will display
and discuss the care of live animals. Cockatiels, parrots, and
pigeons and other animals will also be looking for new
forever homes, and representatives for California bats and for
honeybees will provide informative chats. All organizations
will have staff or volunteers present to discuss animal traits,
behavior, and care, and to answer questions.
Event highlights will include two 60-minute presentations.
The first, from 11:30 to 12:30 p.m., will feature Jenny Papka
from Native Bird Connections who, during her talk, will
exhibit a variety of fine-feathered friends including birds
of prey such as hawks and owls. At 1:30 p.m., staff from
Lick Your Eyeballs in Berkeley will show small reptiles and
amphibians. Attendees will be invited to handle and inspect
these fascinating creatures up-close.
New this year will be storyteller Christine Johnson, who
will read short children’s books about animals between
12:30 and 1:30 pm. A retired elementary school teacher, Ms.
Johnson is a member of the church’s congregation and is
not only good with children, but also good at telling stories!
Also new this year: a fundraiser raffle brimming with great
prizes provided by church members and local merchants.
Complimentary face painting for children, a food
booth stocked with sweet and savory fare and beverages
for purchase, a table offering used children’s books about
animals and animal care at modest prices, and a return
engagement by the Hilltop Ukulele Lovers Academy
(HULA, for short) will round out the event.
For more Animal Fest information, visit
christthelordpinole.org or contact one of the event’s
co-chairs: Sandy McNeel at svmcneel@comcast.net or Lissa
Parker at lissarp@toast.net. All people are welcome but, for
the safety of our animal participants, please leave pets at
home.
Christ the Lord Church is located at 592 Tennent Avenue,
Pinole, CA 94564 (across the street from the Fernandez
Park baseball field). Free parking is available on surrounding
streets and in nearby city lots.
