Hold onto your paws, it’s true, Nederland has a new event!

The Bizarre Cat Bazaar (BCB) will be a family friendly, street style bazaar, where everyone is invited to dress up in cat costumes and celebrate the historical Honorary Mayor, Fred the Cat. This event will be held Caturday, August 12, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in downtown Nederland.

This cattacular bazaar style event invites everyone of all ages to dress up in cat costumes – even if it’s in your pawjamas! Come dressed as your favorite, Paw McCartney, Sir Isaac Mewton or even Catzilla! We’ll be offering a day filled with live music, cat acts, cat merchandise, family games, and cat themedself pawtrait photo ops to mention a few. Bring your catitude and compete in the afternoon Cattastic Costume Contest offering a first place prize of $500, second place prize of $250, third place prize $100.

Town businesses are encouraged to offer cat themed food, drinks and swag. Maybe they’ll get creative with a Meowtini, Purrito, Pawsta or Catpurccino! We’re aiming to create a Cat Walk across the covered bridge, with photo ops along the way; guiding people from the main Bazaar to the B&F Plaza area.

We will be looking to have a Cat Rescue group, possibly with adoptable cats and information. Please leave your cats and dogs home. BCB will operate rain or shine.

We’re looking for volunteers and vendors – cat themes and everyone in cat costumes of course! Have an idea or a group who wants to perform, join in the fun, please complete the Volunteer Form with your comments. For vending opportunities, please complete the Vendor Form no later than July 1, 2023. Volunteer: tinyurl.com/BCBVolunteers, Vendors: tinyurl.com/BCBVendors.

Fact or Fiction? The story goes that Fred was a well-loved stray cat who roamed freely throughout Nederland. For years, he was fondly fed and cared for by several locals; wandering around to his favorite shops as the entire town was his. One year, the people were uninspired by those running for local office, and Fred received enough signatures to be on the ballot. He won! While he couldn’t be sworn in, he did meow in approval as he was named Honorary Mayor. Fact: While this was several years back, you can visit and see his plaque in front of Nederland Town Hall.

Join us for this fun Caturday, August 12, 2023, all kitten aside, we think you’ll have a blast. For more information, contact Deb DAndrea at debdandrea@gmail.com or visit https://bizarrecatbazaar.com/