Dog lovers, mark your calendars for PawsFest

Dog lovers, it is time once again to make plans to attend PawsFest in Headland. This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, March 31, around the town square.

“This is the fifth year for PawsFest, and the second year that C.H.A.R.M. has overseen the event,” said Jo Geisler, with C.H.A.R.M. (City of Headland Animal Rescue Mission). We are very excited about this year’s event. More than 700 individuals attended last year. This is a great event that allows dog owners a chance to just have fun with their dog. It is something different than just sitting outside or playing in a park. Several activities are planned that will be enjoyed by not only the pet owner but the animal as well.”

This year’s activities include a pet parade, a pet pageant, an ugly pet contest, vendor booths and music.

“Everyone enjoys the vendor booths each year,” Geisler said. “The vendors offer a variety of items for the dogs that may not be available in retail stores. I want to thank all the vendors who participated last year, and we are hoping to see you again this year.”

Vendor booths are $20 for 20’x20’ space without electric hook-up and $30 with electric hook-up. Vendors are encouraged to register early to secure their space. Booths are rented on a first come, first serve basis. Vendors may set up from 9-10:30 a.m. However, all vendors must visit the registration table upon arrival. All booth rentals are considered donations to C.H.A.R.M. Vendors are responsible for tents, tables, trash bags and anything else needed for showcasing their wares. It is not a required, but vendors are encouraged to hold an individual drawing for prizes of their choice to promote their product or service.

C.H.A.R.M. wishes to remind vendors that no alcohol, drugs or tobacco will be sold or consumed in the festival area. No firearms, explosives or knives are allowed in festival area.

“This is a great event, and we want it enjoyed by everyone,” Geisler said. “Remember, all funds raised by this event go back to the funds needed to maintain and take care of the animals in the shelter. If you are looking to maybe add a new member to your family, this is a great place to start looking. We will have animals available for adoption during the festival.”

For dog owners wishing to participate in the parade, the entry fee is $2, and the parade will begin at 11:15 a.m. The pageant fee is $15, and the pageant will begin promptly at noon. The Ugly Pet Contest is free and photos must be mailed to 201 Cleveland Street, Headland, AL 36345. The winner will be announce at 1 p.m. the day of the parade.

“I want to thank the city of Headland,” Geisler said. “The city is allowing us to use a building that allowed us additional room for the animals at the shelter. This has been a huge benefit to the animals, and we can not thank the city enough. I also want to thank Jonathan Knowell. As part of his Eagle Project, he installed a bathing station and did several other projects that have not only benefited the animals but the volunteers as well. So many individuals are unaware just how much time and effort goes into dealing with the animals at the shelter, and we have great volunteers. I want to thank them all for everything they do.”

For more information on the fifth annual PawsFest, call 693-0075 or visit the C.H.A.R.M. website at www.headland.org.