As the warm/hot weather sends slugs into hiding in our gardens, 101 of the most classy, ugly, fashionable, eccentric, clever ones can be found congregating at the Kingston Art Gallery. They are just waiting to appear in all their sublime slime on Aug. 8 for the SLUG inFESTation at various locations around Kingston. Check out the slugs you too can hunt for that day at the Gallery, Wednesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Here is the scoop for slug hunters:

1) Buy your $1 slug hunting license at the Gallery or Chamber of Commerce office.

2) Notice signs posted around Kingston where slugs will be hidden

3) Pick up your slug hunting map on Aug. 8, from 9 a.m. on, at the Gallery and go hunting for your finder’s keepers slug.

4) Return with your slug to the Gallery all day for slug autographing by artists, certificate of authenticity, portrait-taking, and Silent Slug Auction (are there any slugs not silent?).

Our 5-8 p.m. Slug Soiree will feature poetry winners at 6 p.m.; refreshments and the silent auction ends at 7 p.m. What a party.

Here is the deal for young poets, kindergarten through eighth-grade:

1) Pick up your slug poetry contest rules and entry form at the Gallery.

2) Turn in your creations by Aug. 3 at the Gallery to be judged by contest sponsor Crab Creek Review Literary Journal.

3) The winner in each age category will receive a prize and will read their poems on Aug. 8 at 6 p.m.

Here is the opportunity for Kingston businesses and civic leaders to become a Slug sponsor. Have you ever been offered this opportunity before? A $25 sponsorship provides you with:

1) A slug of your choice to hide, which will bring customers into your business.

2) Your business name and location on the hunting map.

3) Posters identifying your business as a slug hideout.

4) An opportunity to create your own customer incentives available to those with a slug hunting license.

5) An invitation to our Slug Soiree, 5-8 p.m. on Aug. 8, including a silent auction of handcrafted slugs, food, beverages, and poetry.

6) An occasion to team with us in advertising and announcements.

So, what do you still need to know? Contact Harv at Kollns@juno.com or call the Kingston Art Gallery at (360) 297-5133.

Contributed by Marily Liden Bode