ROCHELLE – Community members, library staff and pet lovers all gathered in the grassy area behind the Flagg-Rochelle Public Library on Tuesday to celebrate the library’s 59th annual pet show.

The pet show is held outside the library every year and all animals are welcome as attendees get to show off their pets to the public. Library employees judge the animals and hand out ribbons to all of the winners.
“The awards are for fun things like the biggest eyes, the pinkest outfit or the quackiest duck. Things like that so everyone wins a first prize,” explained Connie Avery, youth services librarian.
As long as the weather cooperates, the event takes place outside every year. Last year it was sunny every day leading up to the event, and then rained the night before. The grassy area outside the library was too muddy so the show had to take place inside the basement. Due to being moved indoors, attendees were only able to bring a picture of their pet.
“We like it outside because kids can bring their live pets, but then little kids can bring their stuffed animals or pictures of their pets,” said Avery
Mackayla Downing attended for her first time in 2018, so this was her first time bringing her dog to the event and not just a photo. She decided to attend this year because her cousins were going with their dogs and she wanted to tag along. Her dog Stella was the winner of the most loveable award.
While Downing said it was fun winning, the part she enjoyed most was seeing all of the different types and breeds of animals.

“I think it is a lot of fun, it’s a nice day out and I like seeing lots of pets, but my favorite part was petting the Chihuahuas,” said Downing.
Most of the animals brought to the event are traditional pets such as dogs, cats, guinea pigs, birds or bunnies. This year the most popular animals were a giant bunny and a pair of ducks. This was the first-time ducks were brought to the event.
In the 59 years the event has been taking place the library has seen some unique animals.
“We had a bearded dragon once and that was pretty interesting and one time, years ago, I believe someone even brought a pony,” said Avery.
The library staff looks forward to hosting the pet show every year and enjoys seeing many families come out to attend with some even bringing blankets to sit on and make a day out of it.
“All ages are able to participate in this rather than our usual programming for different ages. This brings everybody out together,” added Avery.