By Matt Decker
Leisure/Sports editor

Pooches dressed like reindeer, cats dressed like Santa’s helpers — and possibly other creatures great and small — are scheduled to parade across the stage at the inaugural Christmas Pet Fashion Show at 5 p.m., Nov. 27, at the Cowan Civic Center in Lebanon.

The pet event is the newest addition to the two-day Christmas Arts and Crafts Show, scheduled Nov. 27-28. The contest is open to pet owners throughout the area. The registration deadline is Monday, and there is no fee to take part in the contest, according to Gail Bryant, director of tourism with the Lebanon Convention and Visitors Bureau. “

“So long as they’re not a cow or a full-sized horse, they can enter,” Bryant said. “(The pets) have to be able to get up on stage.”

The Arts and Crafts Show is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Nov. 27, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Nov. 28, in the center’s exhibition hall. The show features a variety of items made by artists and crafters from throughout Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Illinois.

“Its all hand-crafted items,” Bryant said. “In the past, we’ve had jewelry, a glass blower, people who do wreathes, candles, wax sculptures, wood carvers. A requirement to be in the show is that 90 percent of the items displayed have to be hand crafted.”

Another contest held in conjunction with the show is the second annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest. For a $10 entry fee, contestants will be judged on their lack of holiday fashion sense at 1 p.m., Nov. 27. Entry deadline is Monday, and participants can enter by calling Bryant at 417.532.4642.

 

“We’re looking for the ugliest Christmas-themed sweater, shirt or blowse,” Bryant said. “The contestants will wear their ugly sweater up on stage. The judges will compile the numbers, and the winner will receive a trophy and a gift certificate. They’ll also have the honor of coming back the following year and presenting the next trophy.”

From 2 to 4 p.m., Friday, and from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., Saturday, families can have photos of their children taken with Santa for $7.

Also during the show, visitors also can enjoy entertainment by area dance groups and choirs.

Admission to the Christmas Arts and Crafts Show is free. For more information, go to www.lebanonmissouri.org/CurrentEvents.aspx.