On Sunday, Effingham County will have its first “Cutest Chihuahua” thanks to the Cinco de Mayo (Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors) Relay for Life team.  The contest, which will benefit the American Cancer Society, will be held at 2 p.m. in the Lowe’s parking lot.  

“This year’s Relay theme is ‘Cancer Never Takes a Holiday,’” explained Pam Cox, team captain. “And we thought the Chihuahua contest was appropriate for our Cinco de Mayo team.”

Chi owners can register their dog by calling Cox at 313-5987 or at Atlantic Southern Bank in Rincon. The registration fee/donation is $10. Last minute entries will also be accepted at the event.

Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place in addition to cutest costume and cutest trick. Judges will make the initial decisions, but the audience will be allowed to “pad the votes” with additional donations that can be placed in each Chihuahua’s jar.

“I think it will be a lot of fun and very competitive,” Cox said. “We’ve got old Chi’s, puppy Chi’s, short-haired Chi’s and long-haired Chi’s. I’m sure it will be tough for the judges to make their decisions.”

The Cinco de Mayo team is also sponsoring a raffle for a 32-inch flat screen HD TV with a built-in DVD player. Those tickets are $1 each or six for $5 and will be available at the Cutest Chihuahua Contest, Olde Effingham Days and the Relay for Life event.

Tickets also can be purchased at Atlantic Southern Bank in Rincon.