The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s mobile aquarium at a recent visit to Sloan-Hendrix Middle School in Imboden, Ark.

Photo: Sloan-Hendrix Middle School

There’s no denying that kids love reading about animals. You know what kids also love? Hanging out with real animals.

Local kids will get a chance to do just that during Animal Extravaganza set for Wednesday, June 27 at the Fayetteville Public Library.

Activities begin at 2 p.m. at the Rock Street entrance of the library and include a petting zoo and a mobile aquarium set up by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Also, local dogs will be available for adoption from the Fayetteville Animal Shelter.

The event will also serve as a kickoff for the Ranger’s Pantry pet food bank summer drive.

Yolanda Fields, the city’s community services director, said over 40,000 pounds of pet food has been distributed since the program was established two years ago which has helped feed over 1,300 pets.

The Animal Extravaganza is free to attend, but library officials are encouraging kids to bring cans or bags of dog and cat food. After that, pet food donations may be brought to the Children’s Desk at the library through July 13, or to any Fayetteville fire station at any time.