The free event kicks off with a pet parade through the downtown district; any pet that can be carried, ridden, toted in a bowl or put on a leash is welcome to attend with its owner.

Where: Parade lineup is at the Southeastern Baptist Seminary downtown. All other activities will be at Festival Park, 525 S. White St., Wake Forest.

"In addition to many dogs, there were several people with 10-foot snakes around their necks, a man carrying his goldfish in a bowl and even a kid walking with an ant farm," said Bob Johnson, Pet Fest organizer. He hopes to have an even wider variety of animals this year and encourages anyone with a horse, llama, goat, or pot-bellied pig to head out to the festival.

After the parade, pet lovers can browse animal-related exhibits and watch demonstrations, including the K-9 unit from the Wake Forest Police Department and a beekeeping demonstration. The Spay and Neuter Assistance Program of North Carolina will be on hand to provide rabies shots and micro-chipping.

Pets also can compete for prizes such as best-dressed pet, (Pet Forest Gold)owner and pet look-alike, best trick and most unique pet in contests throughout the day.

Pets and their owners will be welcome in most downtown businesses during the festival.

"Many of the stores will have dog treats, water bowls and even toys for the dogs to play with," Johnson said.

One of the most popular booths last year was Dogtopia, a Raleigh doggie daycare and overnight boarding center. It is offering free dog baths again this year. All donations and tips from the booth will be donated to the Graham Johnson Culture Arts Endowment, which is sponsoring the event.

The organization hosts about 12 festivals in Wake Forest each year, including the 10-day Herb Fest in the spring. The group also sponsored the painted mural on the side of the Cotton Company illustrating the history of Wake Forest.