Events include an agility course, police K-9 demonstrations and contests.

OXFORD – Judy Dill said she’s just amazed at the interest that’s been shown in an upcoming pet festival at the Oxford County Fairgrounds.

Not only will the “Animal Planet” TV show hold “Pet Star” auditions at the Pet Fest 2004 festival, the event has attracted the interest of about 30 animal rescue organizations, both in Maine and out of state.

Those include rescue organizations to find new homes for ferrets, guinea pigs and horses, not just ones for abandoned breeds of dogs

“Who knew, huh?” she said. Dill, an Oxford resident and the event organizer, has been a member of the Second Chance Boxer Rescue for several years. Her rescue organization has teamed up with the Oxford Hills Dog Club to sponsor the event, which will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 22, at the Pottle Road fairgrounds off Route 26, rain or shine.

Pets are welcome, but even if they are trained, they must be on leashes, she stressed.

Responsible Pet Care Shelter of Norway will be on hand, as will the Greater Auburn Humane Society.

“The whole point of this is to educate the public about the importance of shelters and rescues, and the importance of buying from rescues and shelters instead of puppy mills,” Dill said.

There will also be rabies and microchip clinics, and vendors displaying pet products and health services.

Fun events include an agility course, police K-9 demonstrations, contests for canine good citizen, pet costumes, a raffle and the chance to have your pet evaluated by an animal behaviorist or an animal communicator.

Dill said people can submit their photos in advance for the pet photo contest, and get more information by visiting the Web site for the event, www.petfest2004.com, or calling 539-4074.

Admission for Pet Fest is $2 for people age 13 and older; $1 for seniors and children ages 4 to 12. Children under 4 get in free.