Annual Montrose menagerie

When local children, a porcupine, a crocodile and a python get

together, it is time to celebrate the last days of summer with one

last bash.

The Fourth Annual Kids ‘n’ Kritters Day festivities kick-off from

9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday at the Montrose Shopping Park with a variety

of activities ranging from an exotic petting zoo to a collector’s

market.

“This is our nod to young families and children,” said John

Drayman, vice-president of the Montrose Shopping Park Assn. “It’s

also the Montrose Shopping Park’s way of saying thank you for

shopping with us.”

Children will have the opportunity to ride ponies and see and

touch unusual animals like the kinkajou, a small bear-like animal

native to Central and South America, at the Wild Wonders petting zoo.

Families can enjoy a magic show starring “The Wizard Bruce: The 8

1/2 Wonder of the World” and “Mother Goose,” with their animal

friends.

“When you see four or five children stand and try to hold on to a

python snake, their faces say more than what comes out of their

mouths,” Drayman said. “This is the last fling before they start

school.”

The event draws a crowd of about 12,000 to 15,000 people each

year.

In addition, the Glendale Humane Society will be on hand to

provide pet adoption applications and animal rescue organizations

will educate the public about animals.

“It’s a very successful event, it brings in a lot of families,”

said Alyce Russell, owner of Andersen’s Pet Shop.

Russell is also the director of the Glendale Humane Society and

serves on the board of directors of the Montrose Shopping Park Assn.

The Montrose Shopping Park consists of 200 businesses and is the

fifth-oldest business district in the country.

The pet shop will be sponsoring several animal rescues for the

event, Russell said.

Anchoring the event will be the Montrose Harvest Market, where

visitors can shop for organic produce, flowers, baked goods and other

specialty items.

Parents can visit the Thieves’ Market, where they can meet dealers

selling antiques, collectibles and artisans. Entertainment will

include live music with a performance by the Martini Kings and the

Gremoli New Orleans Jazz Band.