STATEWIDE - The PBS Kids fall season starts off on NJN with lots of fun and excitement on Labor Day, September 1, with PBS Kids Pet-Tacular Labor Day Event and two very special programs about pets. Headlining the line-up are two episodes of the new Clifford's Puppy Days series hosted by Zoom kids Shing Ying and Mike, with two pet-themed episodes of Arthur. PBS Kids Pet-Tacular event airs Monday, September 1, at 9 am and 4 pm.

Clifford's Puppy Days Premiere
Clifford may be the biggest dog that ever was, but he was actually the runt of his litter - a teeny, tiny, bright red bundle of energy that barely filled Emily Elizabeth's dad's palm. But small as he was, he had the same huge heart and good humor he has as the Big Red Dog. The premiere of Clifford¹s Puppy Days airs on NJN every Wednesday beginning September 3 at 9 am, 3 pm and 4:30 pm; Saturdays at 9 am.

THE BIG COMFY COUCH
Win a trip to New York City for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!

The Big Comfy Couch is returning to NJN with brand new episodes to entertain young viewers weekdays beginning September 1 at 2 pm. The Big Comfy Couch is the safe, cozy place for preschoolers to learn about the world around them. This acclaimed, award-winning series shares a child's point of view and provides a playful environment for fun and discovery. In the clown world of The Big Comfy Couch, there's spontaneity and lack of pretense. The Big Comfy Couch features an engaging mix of lovable characters led by Loonette, the young energetic clown, and her best friend Molly the doll. Together with her friends, Loonette learns through games, stories and other imaginative activities that lead to important lessons such as sharing, caring for others and cooperation. The series is designed to convey specific educational content to delight and instruct its young audience. Airs Monday - Friday at 2 pm beginning September 1.

Put Yourself on The Big Comfy Couch Drawing Contest

In addition, children 3 through 8 can enter the "Put Yourself on the Big Comfy Couch Contest" - a nationwide art contest that combines children's love of artistic expression with their favorite television program. Winners receive a four-day, three-night trip to New York City from Wednesday, November 26, to Saturday, November 29, 2003, accompanied by one parent or guardian. More information on the contest and an application form can be found on the NJN web site at www.njn.net. To enter the contest, children create a picture of themselves (along with whomever else the young artists choose) on The Big Comfy Couch or a picture of themselves with Loonette and Molly, and send it by September 25, 2003 to:

Barbara Dempsey
NJN Public Television
PO Box 777
Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0777

If using UPS or Fed Ex, please send to 25 South Stockton Street, Trenton, New Jersey 08608-1832.

Contest Information

• Contest deadline to NJN is September 25, 2003.
• Six winners will be chosen nationally. Winners will receive a four-day, three night trip to New York City from Wednesday, November 26 to Saturday, November 29, 2003.
  Winners are accompanied by one parent or guardian. Expenses for each winner and parent/guardian shall be paid by Tadpole Entertainment and includes: airline and ground transportation to and from New York City; hotel accommodations at the New York Marriott Marquis in Times Square; per diem allowance of $100 per day for meals.
• Winners and parent/guardian will receive VIP passes to view the 2003 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and will attend a private party with Loonette, Molly and the cast of The Big Comfy Couch.
• Winners will get to sit on The Big Comfy Couch and have a photo taken with Loonette and Molly.
• Winners will have one day, Friday, November 28, 2003, to tour and visit, at their own expense, the sites of New York City.
• Official entry forms and contest details are available by calling (800) 683-3395 or visiting the NJN web site at www.njn.net.

Find out more about the Put Yourself on The Big Comfy Couch Drawing Contest online at www.njn.net. Deadline for entries is Sept. 30, so enter today!