Reporter staff

Auburn’s award-winning Petpalooza, a local mardi gras for beloved animals, invaded fittingly, Game Farm Park, on Saturday.

The organized and domesticated zoo, a furry festival for Fido and friends, attracted thousands of pet owners from throughout the area.

For one day, pet owners and their leashed dogs, cats and other critters roam and rule the park and bask in the spotlight of a uniquely designed event devoted exclusively to them.

Because of the community’s genuine love affair with animals, however big or small, Auburn has put its paw prints on one of the country’s largest and most successful pet-happy shows of its kind.

The event kicked off with a Dog Trot 3K/5K Fun Run and featured an animal-related entertainment stage, Skyhoundz Disc Dog Championships, pony rides, the Unleashed pet contests, agility areas, a noon pet parade, more than 150 vendor booths, giveaways and lots of activities to keep both humans and pets entertained.