Comstock hosts pet jamboree

Just as Michael Jordan and Bugs Bunny formed a winning box office team in "Space Jam," the competition will be hot and hilarious for Pet Jam on the Comstock this weekend.

A Pet Jamboree has been added to the annual Virginia City Pet Parade.

The Pet Jam is 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Silverland Arena, directly behind the Silverland Inn & Suites, the same area used for the annual Virginia City Camel Races.

Pet Jam events will include a 4-H exotic rabbit show, equestrian demonstrations, burro coon jumping, flyball, toss 'n' fetch, sheep instinct testing and "Games for Your Dog" conducted by the 4-H Guide Club.

"Because there will be no Nevada State Fair this year, we've included the annual Weiner Dog Races along with a new class for terriers," said event organizer Tom Nordness. "It will be a fundraiser for rural Boy Scout troops."

Vendor booths at the event still are vailable.

Dave Kemppainen will conduct classes in Native American drumming and drum circles.

The Sierra Safari Zoo will bring some newborns, and event goers will be able to adopt pets from the Nevada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and other animal rescue organizations.

Pet Jam inquiries should be directed to Nordness at (775) 338-8961, or emailed to tomnordness@netscape.net.

"Don't forget that we are pet friendly, so bring your pet," Nordness said.

The Pet Parade begins forming on Main Street at 9 a.m. and starts at 10 a.m. Saturday. The deadline for early registration is 4 p.m. Friday. Late entries are welcome but early registration is encouraged.

Signups and additional information for the parade may be obtained by contacting Karen Woodmansee at 775-847-4768 or emailed to comstockwriter@yahoo.com.

Entry forms are available at VisitVirginiaCityNV.com. Parade fees are by donation.