Changing of the guard at the Elizabethton/Carter County Animal Shelter is looking to see an increase of events and volunteer opportunities.
To assist with operations at the shelter, the Friends of the Animal Shelter and Glenda Taylor DeLawder have partnered to present a fall festival Saturday, Oct. 14, at the Elizabethton Parks & Recreation Center on West Mill Street to serve as a fundraiser for the facility.
All proceeds raised from the weekend will go directly into the animal shelter activities, including animal care and possible sponsorship for adoptions.
Due to the operation of the shelter, the facility cannot solicit funds. But due to a love of animals, Dallis Knight, the sister of DeLawder, said the festival would be one activity her late sister would love to see, with the fun going to help the animals at the shelter.
Nearly a year ago, DeLawder left $1.2 million to benefit animals in the region with roughly $500,000 earmarked for work at the shelter, including an addition to the existing structure for the feline population, “catios” — an outdoor structure for cats, a van to transport animals for spay/neuter and adoption events, and dog runs for the canine population to have suitable room outside to roam.
Saturday’s festivities will last from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a variety of activities for attendees.
Knight indicated the festival will include a dessert dash, a yard sale, items available for auction and a local “celebrity” lock up. According to Knight, different community members will be locked up at the event with the only way to exit is to post “bail” from donations.
While Saturday’s event is free to attend, donations are encouraged, Knight said. Tickets will also be available for the silent auction and concessions will be available for purchase
A new addition to the weekend slate is a yard sale taking place Friday, Oct. 13, at Parks & Rec from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. to help raise funds for the initiative.
Preparing for the weekend has been fun, according to Knight. During a sit-down interview with the Elizabethton Star Monday afternoon, Knight indicated donations have gone well from local businesses and that she appreciates the support from the community.
Vendor spots are still available for the day, along with possible “inmates” for the lockup activity. The public can also donate items to be placed for the silent auction/yard sales. For inquiries about any facet of the event, contact Knight at (301) 991-0620.
Since the creation of the new Animal Shelter Board, Chairman Mike Barnett has stated officials are looking to encourage to get involved by volunteering, fostering or implementing rescue programs to assist with the animals at the shelter and help take some of the burden off shelter staff.
Residents wanting to get involved with action at the shelter can continue to look into opportunities by attending board meetings, and meetings for the Friends of the Animal Shelter.
Interested individuals can learn more on how to get involved, or learn more about the future of the shelter, by attending the next Shelter Board meeting, set for Tuesday, Oct. 24, at 6 p.m. inside City Hall’s Council Chambers.