FARMINGTON — Franklin County Animal Shelter board members challenge individuals and teams to use their imaginations, be creative and compete with others for prizes in Dogs ‘n Duct Tape.

The event begins at 5 p.m. Saturday, March 19, in the cafeteria of Mt. Blue High School. Judging begins at 7 p.m. There is an entry fee of $6 per person or $20 per team.

Participants will be given three silver rolls of duct tape and one colored roll of duct tape for highlighting. Some other basic items, including newspapers and markers, will be available during the competition. Additional colored tape may be purchased.

Animals, sandals, a ball cap and a bird with wings spread are just a few creative ideas board members have designed as examples for Saturday’s event, Jo Rumley, shelter manager, said.

The grand prize winner can choose between a Flip Blackberry cell phone, a $100 bowling package or an overnight at the Comfort Inn. Second- and third-place winners choose from the remaining prizes. Items are being donated by area businesses.

State Rep. Lance Harvell, state Sen. Tom Saviello and Mt. Blue High School art teacher Roger Bisaillion will serve as judges.

As part of a $10,000 fundraising goal to benefit the shelter this year, board members were looking for something new to involve families and attract those who have been snowbound for too long, Rumley said.

There will be hot dogs and other light refreshments offered for sale during the event, adding to the group’s fundraising. People are welcome to come watch and/or participate.

Rumley said he’s not sure what to expect, but he said the community is always supportive of the shelter and the efforts to raise money to help operate it. If it goes over well, the event will be added to the 2012 efforts.

“It’s a lofty goal (to raise $10,000) but we have a plan,” Rumley said.

Following quickly on Saturday’s event, the board and staff will sponsor a spaghetti supper and silent auction on April 1.

In July, the board is planning its largest undertaking, a Critter Convention, a type of pet expo taking place at Farmington Fairgrounds.

The shelter will also seek to raise funds during the Wilton Blueberry Festival in August. During Christmas, trees bearing suggested gift items are put in local stores. It helps to generate donations of items needed at the shelter, she said.

The shelter population is now at 36 cats and seven dogs. Last May through December, the shelter housed 100 to 130 cats.

For more information, call the shelter at 778-2638.

 abryant@sunjournal.com