LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – The world’s biggest Santa Run just got a little more competitive. Opportunity Village’s 17th Annual Las Vegas Great Santa Run will host a pet costume contest, stroller decorating contest, and fundraising contest, leading to their internationally recognized fun run on December 4th.
For the pet costume competition, participants dress their pet (s) in the best holiday outfit to win one of four awards:
- Best in show performance
- Most creative costume
- Best theme costume
- Social Media Winner
Whether bird, cat, dog or reptile, all animals are cordially invited to take part in the personal or virtual “Pawty” and win unique prize packages that are donated by event sponsors.
The social media winner for entering the virtual pet costume contest will be announced online before December 31st.
Benny the Ice Skating Dog will be a prominent juror alongside the Opportunity Village Ambassadors for the Pet Costume Contest on race day.
Owners must reserve their furry friend’s spot in the contest by visiting the Pet Costume Contest booth across from 3rd Street Stage on E. Ogden Avenue between 8:00 am and 10:00 am
“Adding these competitions to the mix is always a fun way to attract our most loyal supporters and introduce a new audience to Opportunity Village,” said Yanique Shim, Director of Event Services at Opportunity Village.
Pets must also be registered for the Las Vegas Great Santa Run in order to qualify.
Participants are asked to arrive at the after-party stage in Llama Lot at 11:00 am, where the winners will be announced.
“The pet costume and stroller decorating contests get better every year, and the money raised during our fundraising contest is absolutely critical to the work we do for thousands in this community. We can’t wait to see how they all play out this year! ”Shim added.
The Fit4Mom stroller decoration competition will take place at 11:45 a.m. on the after-party stage
Strollers must be checked in at the FIT4MOM booth during the pre-race celebrations from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. to win prizes. The first three winners will be selected by the OV ambassadors.
The fundraising competition is also back in 2021 and better than ever, including an incredible range of prizes provided by event sponsors. Registrants and non-registrants can participate through fundraising for the Opportunity Village through December 26th.
Five winners will be awarded prizes: top donation team, top individual donor, 2nd place individual donor, 3rd place individual donor and random winner.
The competition runs from November 8th to December 26th and winners will be notified by email and social media before December 31st.
The Santa Run participants take the 5km or 1mile course and cross the finish line into the Llama Lot for the after-party with a variety of food trucks, vendors and live entertainment! Participants can also participate virtually from December 4th to 26th by tagging the event pages and using the hashtag #LVSantaRun.
All income from fundraising goes directly to the programs and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Opportunity Village.
For full details of all competitions and the latest information on the Las Vegas Great Santa Run, visit LVSantaRun.com.
