The festival, with a full day of activities to benefit a wide range of animal rescue programs throughout the region, will begin at 9 a.m. and continue until a sunset ride through Latta Plantation ends at about 8 p.m. Events will be headquartered at the Equestrian Center, 6201 Sample Road in Huntersville, and those interested in the poker run and/or the sunset ride should pre-register at www.safeanimalhaven.org.

Participants in an equestrian poker run will saddle up at 9 a.m., and cash prizes will be awarded for the best and worst hand. In addition, several contests for animals and their owners will be held along with a multitude of canine and equine demonstrations and exhibitions.

Pet contest categories, all with a $1 entry fee, include waggiest tail, smallest dog, biggest dog, best kisser (pets only), best talent, most obedient, least obedient, most vocal, cutest puppy (less than six months), best senior dog (at least 7 years), best biscuit catcher (again, pets only), fastest recall, most adorable mutt, most adorable purebred, best dressed dog, dog-owner look-alike, ugliest dog and best in show.

There will also be a “donkey idol” event featuring heehawing competition and rounds of musical cones for horses and musical chairs for canines. For younger festival participants, there will be face painting, stick horse races, pony rides, Santa pictures and contests for the best dressed cowboy and cowgirl.

The hosts of the event, along with the Equestrian Center, are the Spay/Neuter, Adoption, Foster and Education Animal Haven and the United States Equine Rescue League of Central Piedmont. Funds raised at the festival will benefit the SAFE Animal Haven and USERL.

Concessions from a variety of vendors will be available throughout the day and various Charlotte-Mecklenburg agencies and individual companies are teaming up to provide a $10 microchip clinic for the all types of animals.

For additional information, visit www.wooofnandhoofn.webs.com.