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Cape May Court House – The Cape May County 4-H Youth Development Program announced the winners of the Pet Show held on July 18, 2026. This annual event, sponsored by Smeltzer & Sons Feed & Pet Supplies, is held each year during the 4-H Fair and is open to the public. The 2026 Grand Champion, overall Best in Show all pets, is Gina Vignola of Stone Harbor and her dog, Pearl. Smeltzer & Sons Feed & Pet Supplies will be providing Gina with free pet food for Pearl for an entire year.
The pet show is a fun event, with many classes in a variety of categories. There were ten different classes for children and their pets from dogs with the longest tail, the best trick, or most beautiful eyes. There was also an adult category that consisted of three classes, most beautiful eyes, best trick, and best costume. Ribbons were awarded in all classes and Best in Show trophies were awarded in each division.
Winners at this year’s pet show in the children’s division included: Longest Tail: Bella and her dog Pepper, Furry Pets with Longest Ears and Best in Show in Furry Pets: Aingeal and her rabbit Thumper, Smallest Critter: Avery and her Rabbit Ozzy Ozbun. Most Beautiful Eyes: Harley and Arya and their dog Piper, Best Costume and Best in Show All Pets: Audrey and her rabbit Tulip.
Winners in the Adult Division: Best Costume: Cody Hanek and his dog Amos, Most Beautiful Eyes: Kaitlyn Dougherty and her rabbit Ozzy Ozbun, and Best Trick and Best in Show: Gina Vignola and her dog Pearl.
Linda Horner, 4-H Youth Development Program Coordinator, said, “We want to thank our judges, Cape May County Clerk Rita M. Rothberg and County Commissioner Vice Director Andrew Bulakowski, and our sponsor Smeltzer & Sons Feed & Pet Supplies for their continued support of our 4-H Pet Show. The 4-H Youth Development Program is a success because of the support it receives from local businesses such as Smeltzer & Sons and our many volunteers.”
Besides being a great time and a favorite activity for our visitors, the purpose of the pet show is to provide an informal opportunity for people to get acquainted with 4-H.
Learn more about the 4-H Youth Development Program at https://capemay.njaes.rutgers.edu/4h/
or call 609-465-5115, ext. 3605.
The 4-H Youth Development program is part of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station and Rutgers Cooperative Extension. 4-H educational programs are offered to all youth, grades K-13, on an age-appropriate basis, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.
