FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 16, 2004

CONTACT: Dolph Pulliam, (515) 271-3084, dolph.pulliam@drake.edu
Lisa Lacher, (515) 271-3119, lisa.lacher@drake.edu

25th ANNUAL BEAUTIFUL BULLDOG CONTEST SET FOR APRIL 19

The 25th annual Beautiful Bulldog Contest will kick off Drake Relays Festival Week on Monday, April 19, at Nollen Plaza in downtown Des Moines. Up to 60 bulldogs will compete in the contest to determine Drake's official mascot for the 95th running of the Drake Relays April 25-27.

The contestants will be judged by a panel starting at 11 a.m. The pageant will follow at noon.

"This year we will be celebrating the silver anniversary of The Drake Relays Beautiful Bulldog Contest, which has developed enthusiastic fan support and garnered media attention from all over the United States," said Dolph Pulliam, director of community outreach and development at Drake University. "We would like to encourage all Iowans and especially pet lovers to come out and support this year's Beautiful Bulldog contest and watch some of the funniest looking and most adorable pets strut their stuff."

The Beautiful Bulldog Contest is sponsored by Papa John's Pizza with support from members of the Bulldog Club of Central Iowa. Nite Owl Printing and the Vaudeville Mews also are sponsoring the contest along with media sponsor Clear Channel Radio.

Entries will be accepted in the order they are received. All entries must be submitted by April 12. To receive a Drake Relays Beautiful Bulldog Contest entry form, contact Judy Robey of the Bulldog Club of Central Iowa at (515) 987-2286 or 305 Laurel St., Waukee, IA 50263.