As in other beauty contests, contestants in the County Seat event have “moms and dads” who think they are the cutest “kids” in town.

However, their floppy ears, shaggy coats, and four legs make them unusual.

It was the brainstorm of Jeannie Wildin when she wanted to celebrate Oliver’s birthday last year. Oliver is Brad and Jeannie’s cat that lives in their store, County Seat Decorating Center, at 130 E. Main St., Marion.

The contest was an advertising promotion and a way to raise money for Stepping Stones Preschool Scholarship Program.

Little did the Wildins or anyone else know that last year’s contest would be so wildly successful. In all, there were 22 entries and $255 raised from the two-week contest, culminating on Oliver’s 11th birthday.

This year’s contest will be the same as before — people bringing photos of their pets, which will be placed on jars. Patrons can then vote for their favorite pet by putting money in the pet’s jar with proceeds benefiting the preschool.

Oliver’s big day will be Feb. 19, when refreshments will be served — same as last year — with Kitty Litter Cake.

“Some people didn’t know what to think about the cake,” Jeannie Wildin said.

For those who didn’t partake in last year’s festivities, Kitty Litter Cake is edible and designed to look like a cat’s litter box.

“It was a big hit,” she said.

People from as far away as Wichita supported the event. Wildin sent invitations to those who wanted to return to this year’s celebration.

The Wildins rescued Oliver in 2003 from an animal shelter when his previous owner could no longer care for him and he has since been part of the business, greeting customers in the store.

Contest proceeds will be used to assist parents with tuition for the preschool program. The program, sponsored by Valley Methodist Church, offers non-denominational Christian preschool education in a classroom setting.