Spicy competition gives ginger cats and dogs a chance to shine

Calling all ginger cat and dog owners, a unique festival wants you to shout about your beloved pets.

The fourth annual Ginger & Spice Festival will be taking place between September 23 to September 27 and celebrates all things ginger. Kennel and cattery Quintessential Quarters, of Cotes Heath, near Eccleshall, has linked up with festival organisers to launch Best Ginger Cat or Dog Contest.

For 2020 the Ginger & Spice Festival is being held online in a virtual capacity for the first time in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The festival celebrates the culinary history and heritage of Market Drayton – known as the ‘Home of Gingerbread’ – through a series of fun and educational fringe events, activities and competitions.

This year’s festival will include an online food theatre, virtual market place, virtual trail, talks, competitions and opportunities for supporting local producers. Entries are now open for the ‘Best Ginger Cat and Dog Contest’, with entries due to close on Friday, September 25.

Competition entrants must visit the website www.gingerandspicefest.co.uk, go to What’s On and click on ‘Ginger Cat and Dog Contest’. Entrants must then complete the online application form and submit one photo of their pet in either category.

Jacqueline Montegrino, owner of Quintessential Quarters, said: “We want ginger pet owners to send in a photo of their pride and joy, along with a brief explanation as to why they should win the competition and an interesting fact about their pet. There’s a chance to win prizes including either a free groom or two-day kennel stay for the champion dog or a four-day stay in our luxury cattery for the feline champion. There’s also special treats on offer from the Life of Riley Pet Bakery and Boutique. We’re delighted to link up with the festival and it is part of our commitment to supporting the local communities in North Shropshire and North Staffordshire.’’

Quintessential Quarters provides boarding for cats and dogs on an extensive farmhouse site. The award winning complex also hosts a grooming service and Quintessential Wedding Day Dogs, a wedding day pet chaperone service.

The Ginger & Spice Festival takes place during British Food Fortnight and has linked with a charity partner for 2020 – the Market Drayton Foodbank. The ginger cat and dog winners will be announced in October.

(Main image a winning cat from 2019.)