Vying for the position of Honorary Mayor of Eastsound, five local pawliticians – four canines and a feline – will officially hit the campaign trail on Sat., May 24th during the annual Pet Parade.

This year’s candidates include canines Morgan (managed by Janine Frizzell/Chad Chandler), Phoebe (managed by Mary Carol and Fred Britt), Missy (managed by Harold and Debbie Hurne) and Jackson “Jack” (managed by Jill and Roger Curtiss). The lone but ever-popular feline candidate is Luna, managed by Annette Deon.

The mayoral race is an annual fundraiser sponsored by and benefiting Children’s House. Voting is open to both islanders and visitors, who “buy” candidates into office by placing as many votes as they want at area polling locations or online.

Each vote benefits the toddler and preschool program of Children’s House. The race concludes July 5 when the new Honorary Mayor is named and given a key to the Village.

Over the last several years, mayoral candidates have helped raise more than $28,000 for the school.  The goal is to top $10,000 this year.

Current Mayor Fargo, a Boston Terrier, will not be seeking a second term and has yet to reveal which candidate he’ll back.

For additional details on the race visit www.oich.org or follow “ChildrensHouse1” on Twitter.