KELSO FAIR TO FEATURE GATOR, TOAD

KELSO, Mo. -- Saturday's animal fair at Kelso will have some extra animals this year.

"We're not exactly sure what we'll have," said Carolyn Cauble, coordinator of the second annual animal fair, "but we'll have some pleasant surprises for the children."

Joe the Gator will be at the fair. So will the world's largest toad, and a 19-foot python, which will be kept caged. These animals will be presented by Jurrock's Zoo of Cape Girardeau.

A special animal guest will be announced at the fair.

A lot of pets will be on hand for the 3 to 8 p.m. event as children are urged to bring their favorite animals to the fair, said Cauble, owner of Kelso Feed, which sponsors the event, along with Purina Feed.

Prizes will be awarded in a number of categories -- best-dressed pet, smallest pet, largest pet, funniest pet, cutest pet and most unusual pet.

Judging of the pets will be at 5 p.m.

Among other animal guests at the fair will be a miniature horse, a baby llama, a donkey, a four-horned goat, miniature goats, rabbits, chickens and a turkey.

Pony rides, food

The event is designed to teach children about animals.

"I believe that taking care of animals helps teach youngsters responsibility and caring of another being," said Cauble.

Pony rides, balloons, hot dogs and lemonade will be provided, said Cauble. Some prizes be given, via raffle.

A special attraction this year will be alligator wrestling presented by Jurrock's Zoo.

Jurrock's Zoo is keeping mum on the "special animal guest."

"They hinted at a number of animals, from an aardvark to a bear, to a monkey," said Cauble.

The Jurrock Zoo will have a large selection to pick the special guest from. It has more than 80 varieties of animals, including a number of alligators, monkeys, a baby kangaroo, and some giants of the animal world.

Last year's star visitor was a fainting goat provided by a Kelso Feed customer.

These goats, which were once on an endangered list, don't exactly faint, but they do have a genetic problem with relaxing muscles. When the goats are startled or surprised, their muscles lock up and the goats sometimes fall over, hence the name fainting goat.

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: Animal fair

WHEN: 3 to 8 p.m.

WHERE: Highway PP, Kelso