It’s time to let your animal friends show their best moves and strut their stuff at the annual High Falls Pet Fair on Saturday, May 14. Animals across the mid-Hudson Valley are being preened, cleaned, trimmed and groomed in preparation for this year’s celebration.

Pets as diverse as a Pomeranians or ponies, tarantulas or turtles may compete for enviable special prizes and yearlong community bragging rights for placing first in categories such as Pet/Owner Lookalike Award, Call of the Wild (vocal talent), Obedience School Graduate (special tricks), Best Story (very short story), Kids Only (several awards given), Best All-American Mutt, Most Unusual Pet, the Graybeards (elder pets), the Whippersnappers (junior pets), ET Award (homely but cute), Ms. High Falls Personality Award and Mr. High Falls Personality Award.

Throughout the day, information will be available regarding the proper care and socialization of your furry (or scaly) friend. Learn about local services, such as short-term boarding, day care, Western and alternative veterinarians, animal training and pet-sitting. Animal rescue and adoption information will be available, too. There will also be vendors on hand to offer pet-related toys and great food products for purchase.

“Our animal companions give us so much in terms of support and unconditional love,” said Pet Fair coordinator Aaron Burke, vice president of the High Falls Civic Association. “At the High Falls Pet Fair, we humans have a chance to return the love and learn how to be proper caregivers. A child with a pet today will become tomorrow’s responsible adult.”

The event will be held in the Community Church yard on Second Street in the hamlet of High Falls, off Route 213. The Pet Fair runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. General pet judging takes place from 10 to 11 a.m., in which all pets will be evaluated for good breeding, friendly behavior, cuddly quotients and photogenic qualities. The special judging categories start at 11 a.m. and will end at 12:30 p.m. Winners will each receive a special ribbon for individual merit, to be awarded by the quorum of distinguished judges in attendance.

Pets who plan to compete in contests must pay a $4 fee. Proceeds will benefit the High Falls Civic Association (HFCA), a community group dedicated to preserving the myriad joys and traditions and environmental duties of small-town America. HFCA holds several well-attended community events and celebrations throughout the year, to raise morale and to beautify the community. There is no admission cost for non-animal attendance, but humans should bring plenty of pocket change for food and drink and those pet-related treats and accessories.

Owners attending the Pet Fair are urged to bring adequate food and water for the safety and comfort of their animal companions. All pets must be on a leash, in a carrier or otherwise restricted by the owner. Owners are responsible for their respective pets. The High Falls Civic Association and Town of Marbletown assume no responsibility for damages caused by pets, owners or other parties. For more information about joining the HFCA, please visit the website at www.highfallscivic.org or call (845) 687-4566.