An event new to the Enchanted Pumpkin Festival this year will be the Cutest Pup-kin in the Patch. The costume contest for canine friends is sponsored by PBA=J, an organization with a mission to assist veterans, seniors and disabled persons in helping to keep their pets at home with them and out of shelters.
The costume contest will be held on Saturday, Oct. 19 at Berrien Park. Registration begins at 12:30 and the fun begins at 1 p.m.
The fee for entering is a $20 donation, with proceeds going to PBA=J. Prizes will be awarded.
PBA=J (People Bonding with Animals=Joy) was founded by Heather Frykman, who championed the cause on the beauty pageant circuit. The issue of keeping pets in home by providing financial assistance to people on fixed incomes for vet bills and other pet-related expenses is important to her, she said.
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, more than 1 million households are forced to surrender their pets each year, with many surrenders due to financial constraints.
For more information about the contest or to pre-register, contact Frykman at 309-525-7696 or email pba.j@yahoo.com or frykma@gmail.com.
