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[title]The Brooklyn Mutt Show
Saturday 24, Sunday 25
This quirky alternative to Westminster fetes its third year with a lineup of extra-zany competitions. Pooches, regardless of their pedigree, will vie for titles like Bloomberg Woofalike and Best Kisser. If you ever thought your Brussels griffon mix looked like an Ewok or that your Doberman has Spock ears, you can enter Fido in a Star Trek/Star Wars Costume Battle. Winners in all categories will receive medals courtesy of Brooklyn Lyceum, as well as goody bags filled with treats for both canines and humans from Brooklyn Bark. Become a better owner by pre-registering for a pet first aid and CPR course with a certified instructor (Saturday, Sunday noon–4pm), or get a portrait taken of your pup by Westminster greenroom photographer James Morrissey. Money raised supports animal charities like the Sean Casey Animal Rescue and the Wild Bird Fund. Brooklyn Lyceum, 227 Fourth Ave between President and Union Sts, Park Slope, Brooklyn (718-857-4816, brooklynlyceum.com). 11am–7pm. Suggested donation $25; dog entry $30, advance $25.
Coney Island USA’s Annual Spring Fund-Raising Gala
Saturday 24
This yearly benefit kicks off the celebration for the 30th Coney Island Mermaid Parade. A court of former aqueous kings and queens will be on hand for the shindig, including the World Famous *BOB* and first-ever Mermaid Queen Alison Gordy, who will sing during the event. Sideshows by the Seashore regulars such as Insectavora and Serpentina, burlesque beauties BB Heart and Bunny Love, and an army of musicians and dancers will keep the entertainment rolling into the wee hours—after the main event ends at 11pm, they’ll hang around for a de facto after-party at Webster Hall’s weekly Circus Saturday. In the meantime, partyers can give Coney Island “Mayor” Dick Zigun a big smooch in the kissing booth and take advantage of an open bar and hors d’oeuvres. Proceeds from the night will help fund cultural programs like the sideshow and the Coney Island Film Festival. Webster Hall, 125 E 11th St between Third and Fourth Aves (212-353-1600, websterhall.com).7–11pm, $60–$250.