EVENT INFO

Young-Williams Animal Center invites you to join us at our 15th Annual Mardi Growl on the performance lawn at World’s Fair Park. While we continue to monitor the pandemic guidelines, we’re excited to celebrate one of our favorite traditions with you this summer.

This year, we’re mixing things up! Instead of our regular pet parade, we’re hosting the first ever pet show! Our pet show will have all the fun of our parade while keeping participants and festival goers safe. Registration is $15 per pet and we’ll have seven fun categories to compete in. Register your pet here and learn more below.

Please follow Young-Williams Animal Center on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter for the latest updates!

FAQ

How do I register for the Mardi Growl pet contest?

Please register each pet participating in the pet show. The human handler is free! Register your pet to compete in one of seven pet show categories here. You can PRE-Register online until June 22. Pre-registration is $15 and includes an awesome swag bag and attendance for four human companions.

DAY-OF Registration is $20.00 and will be held inside the entrance gates beginning at 10:00 AM. Registration closes promptly at 11:30 am so the pet show can begin at noon.

Every registered dog is eligible to receive a swag bag while supplies last. They will be available for early pick up Wednesday, June 23 and Thursday, June 24 from 2-5 pm at Young-Williams Animal Center (3201 Division Street).

How do I pick my Pet Show Contest category?

Day of check in begins at 10:00 AM. At check in, simply let us know what category your pet or pets wish to compete in and we’ll direct you to that category’s staging area, indicated with large signs and lots of volunteers!

What contests I can enter?

Best Vol Spirit: Dog that shows the most UT Volunteer spirit

Best Dawg Pack: Best group of dogs entered together, such as a rescue group, business or organization

Pet/Owner Look-a-like: Coordinate your outfits and win

Best Dog Couple: Two dogs that make a great pair!

Most Unique Mixed Breed (Mutt): Show us your adorable mutt and all that makes them unique

Best Costume: Go wild and the best costume wins!

Best Naked Dog: Is your dog not a fashionista? That’s okay. Bring your low-maintenance pup as they are!

What time is check in, and where do I go on the day of the event?

Check in and day of registration will open at 10:00 AM just inside the festival gates. The registration and check in tent will be clearly marked with signs.

Where can I pick up my swag bag?

Swag bags will be available for early pick up Wed. June 23 and Thurs. June 24. Pick-up is at Young-Williams Animal Center (3201 Division Street) from 2-5 pm. You can also pick up your swag bag the day-of the event at the registration tent starting at 10:00 am (while supplies last.)

How do I buy a t-shirt, mask or bandana?

Online merchandise sales run through June 13 and have the option to be shipped directly to your house or picked up on Wednesday, June 23 and Thursday, June 24 from 2-5 pm at Young-Williams Animal Center (3201 Division Street).

Merchandise will also be available during Mardi Growl and at the After Mardi Party on June 26.

Learn more and place your order here.

What vendors are participating this year?

To make sure you have space to social distance, we’ve limited the event to 80 vendor booths. We’ve got offerings from food trucks to pet supplies, local businesses and more! You can see all of the sponsors and vendors participating in this year’s event by checking out the Vendor and Sponsor pages.

Will you be doing Rabies vaccines and Microchips?

Yes! Our Spay Shuttle will be parked inside the festival grounds offering microchipping and rabies vaccines for $10 each. You can schedule an appointment for the day of Mardi Growl here. If your pet needs a spay/neuter surgery or vaccines now, please contact 865-215-6677 to schedule an appointment with our clinic or learn about other outreach days.