At the third annual Spring Garden and Pet Show March 29 and March 30, attendees can adopt a pet, pet a baby kangaroo and visit an aviary petting zoo. The event will feature 75 vendors, selling plants, arts and crafts and food.
This year, Destrehan Plantation will give away two tickets to the person with the winning name for their mascot, a dachshund. Residents can suggest names on the organization’s Facebook page. If the winner cannot make the show, the winner will receive a free “Destrehan: The Man, The House, The Legacy” coffee table book. Destrehan Plantation will announce the winner Friday, March 28 at 9 a.m. on Facebook.
Melissa Monica, a spokesperson for Destrehan Plantation, said she expects about 5,000 attendees this year.
“The goals of the show are to enhance the quality of life for residents of St. Charles Parish and generate funds to preserve the history related to Destrehan Plantation, a site identified as worthy of preservation by the National Register of Historic Places,” Monica said.
Admission is $5 a person and free for children 5 and under. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. All proceeds from the event will go to Destrehan Plantation. LSU AgCenter and the Louisiana Master Gardeners partner with the plantation to put on the event.
At the show, attendees can adopt a pet from four non-profit rescues: Metairie Humane Shelter, Whoa Nellie Great Dane Rescue, Take Paws Rescue and Bridge to Bridge Animal Rescue. Pastor Michelle Harris will offer pet blessings March 29 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 30 from 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Shade Garden.
Families can also take pictures with well-tamed birds from the Acadian Bird Club Inc., a non-profit that promotes the health and wellbeing of all pet and breeder birds. The non-profit will be on site with an aviary petting zoo.
The kids’ corner of the event will feature a petting zoo on Saturday and an Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday. Mr. Bunny will also make an appearance on Sunday. Other kid-centered activities include spring-themed arts and crafts and face painting.
Silent Voices Raccoon and Wildlife Rehabilitation, an organization that seeks to educate the public about the area’s native wildlife, will provide the public with advice, resources and referrals to LDWF licensed wildlife rehabilitators at the event.
Nola Dukes Jazz Quartet will perform Saturday, March 29 and Peyton Falgoust Solo Acoustical will perform on Sunday. Fine wine, Bloody Mary’s, mimosas and plantation punch will be available for purchase.
Monica said attendees should know that the event is pet friendly.
“All pets must be on a non-retractable leash, or in a carrying case or stroller,” she said.
