The first annual Long County Pet Festival was held Saturday in Ludowici, and pet lovers from all over the area came out to show off their best friends. 
There were several booths and activities at the event at the Long Community Garden, but the highlight of the day was the Relay for Life Pet Pageant.
The pageant, in its second year, once again served as a great fundraiser and an event where everyone had a good time, organizer Cynthia Alexander said. 
Sassy, along with owner Betty Phelps, took home the award for most talented. The best-costume award went to Zoey and her owner, Brianna Kelly. 
The award for the smallest pet went to Nelly, who belongs to Shala Hess.
The award for largest pet went to Brock and owner Jeremy Hall. Hall and his bulldog also were distinguished with the award for owner/pet look-alike.
Also raising money for the Relay for Life was M & A Custom Firearms and Ammunition, which sold raffle tickets for a chance at winning a .38-caliber Smith & Wesson woman’s or man’s pistol. The Friends for a Cure team raised money by selling refreshments
Staffers from Champs Bed & Breakfast were at the event, educating attendees about how to take care of their pets and providing information for dog training classes.
Morris Veterinarian Services came from Guyton and provided rabies shots for those who needed their animals vaccinated. The Long County 4-H Club provided animal survival kits for national emergencies.