AJ Community

February 12, 2010

Festival talent show on four-legs

Amanda Ferri Abington Journal Intern

ABINGTONS - The sixth year of the Clarks Summit Festival of Ice is approaching on Thursday, Feb. 11. This year’s theme for the festival is called “Ice under the Big Top,” which is a circus theme. Every year the festival offers theme-related events and this year, animal-lovers have the opportunity to display their pets’ talents during two pet contests.

Sandy Tielebein, the Program Coordinator for the festival, came up with the idea to host these pet events. On Sunday, Feb. 14, the Pet Tricks contest and Pets on Parade will be held back-to-back in the Clarks Summit Borough Building at 304 S. State St. Any person, adult or child, can enter with one non-vicious and non-poisonous pet. Tielebein said an interesting choice in pets may be a tortoise or a snake.

“A variety would be good,” said Tielebein, of Clarks Summit. “It’s the first year so almost anything goes.”

The Pet Tricks contest will be first, at 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Each pet will have four minutes to perform a trick, which will be judged on creativeness, execution and style. Ribbons will be awarded to first, second and third place winners.

So, what kind of tricks should your pet learn for the contest? Tielebein said they are looking for something besides the usual “sit and stay” tricks, like jumping through hoops or playing dead.

The Pets on Parade will be from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. and each pet will have approximately two minutes to show off their costumes. They will be judged on their design, creativeness and style. Various ribbons will be awarded for different categories, such as cutest, silliest and most creative.

“Circus-themed [costumes] would be cute, whether it be a lion tamer, ringmaster or trapeze artist,” Tielebein said. “We’re also looking for the silliest, most colorful, most elaborate. We have a lot of ribbons for different things.”

Tielebein also said she may even give out animal crackers with the ribbons as a treat for people and their pets.

Each event costs $2 per pet per event, but additional donations for the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, formerly the Humane Society, are welcome. Acceptable donations include canned cat food and kitty litter.

“They are fun and inexpensive for families to attend,” Tielebein said. “They’re a chance for kids to shine.”

The Borough Building is a new venue for festival events. In addition to the pet contests, other events will be held there throughout the festival, such as face painting, Make-It-Take-It crafts, storytelling and a clown car contest. The building will also serve as a warming center for people who don’t want to become ice sculptures themselves.

Laura Ancherani, the executive director for the Abington Business and Professional Association, stressed that doors are always open for people in the community to become involved in the festival, especially as it grows every year.

“The more people involved, the bigger the festival will be,” Ancherani said.

Tielebein agreed. “The more, the merrier!”

Participants can pre-register by calling Sandy Tielebein at 570.586.6622 by Friday, Feb. 12. Registration is from 12:45 p.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 14.

Tweet	Follow @TLnews