A new day and new energy could be the signature marks for the 2006 Tails and Trails Animal Walk to benefit the St. Francis of Assisi Animal Rescue.

This yearís event moves from a Sunday to a Saturday, on Saturday, April 29, as a means of attracting more participants in a fund-raising effort for the animal rescue organization. The event will take place at noon from the Hugo Lions Park with registration open at 10:30 a.m.

ìThis should be our biggest fund-raiser of the year,î said volunteer Joyce Winnick of Forest Lake. She is optimistic the move from a Sunday to a Saturday will enable the walk to flourish this year.

The walk is an opportunity to raise funds for the rescue organization and a chance for participants to win prizes. A greatly enhanced prize package has been created this year to encourage participants to seek financial pledges from friends, family and neighbors.

Prizes will be awarded in two age groups: ages 18 and up, and ages 17 and under.

For those in the 18 and over age group, the prize for the most pledges is two round-trip tickets from Northwest Airlines. The top prize for those 17 and under is an iPod.

The second place prize for pledges collected is a portable DVD player while third prize is a digital camera and print dock. All ages compete together for the second and third place prizes.

Drawings will also take place with a chance to win a canoe from Hallberg Marine of Wyoming, gift certificates and other prizes. Tickets are $1 each.

Pledge forms for the animal walk can be obtained at South Shore Veterinary Hospital, 380 W. Broadway Ave., Forest Lake Veterinary Hospital, 407 S. Lake St., and Danielaís, 145 S. Lake St. Form can also be found on-line at www.stfrananimal.org.

For anyone not able to take part on April 29, but wishing to make a donation, funds can be sent to St. Francis Animal Rescue, Walk for the Animals, P.O. Box 256, Forest Lake, MN 55025. For more information, call 612-387-4869.

More details

Along with the prizes, the April 29th event will include food, fun and festivities.

Subway in Hugo will donate submarine sandwiches to all participants.

The day will also include framed pet photos, ask the vet, vendor displays and free samples. Caricatures by artist Chris Rommell will be available.

Katie Riopel of Katieís K9 will be emcee for the walk.

All pets are welcome for the walk. The noon start is set rain or shine. The three-mile course will be along the Hardwood Creek Trail.

Hugo Lions Park is located west of the new Hugo City Hall and US-61 under the old water tower.

Funds raised on April 29 will support animal rescue efforts. In over five years of work, St. Francis has rescued, rehabilitated and found homes for nearly 6000 dogs and cats.

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Forest Lake Times
P.O. Box 218
880 SW 15 St.
Forest Lake, MN 55025
651-464-4601
Fax 651-464-4605