On Saturday, April 15th FOTAS held its 10th Annual Woofstock event at Citizens Park. It is a festive day, one designed to bring the community and its four-legged animals together with all kinds of activities—contests, races, and pet-owners showing off their dogs.
But I have to make a confession. I was nervous. What if only a small group of people come to support the event? Would the vendors and sponsors be disappointed? What if only a handful of folks show up for the races or contests? Would all the hard work by the teams of volunteers who helped plan and run the event be just a waste of their precious time?
I expressed my concerns at the Park on Saturday morning to Ellie Joos, the Secretary of FOTAS and designated emcee of the event. She immediately said, “Jennifer, look at the hundreds of people making their way to the event, and look at the number of entries in all of the contests.”
Ellie was right. The response was overwhelming. More than 500 people came—the most successful Woofstock ever!
Some highlights:
- Kenny Ray, our DJ extraordinaire, volunteered his services and set the mood for the day with excellent music. Kenny says next year he will make it even better. (Hard to imagine it could be any better!),
- All our sponsors and vendors appreciated the great exposure; many have already committed to participate next year. ‘
- When Buzz Rich stood in line to buy a t-shirt, the person in front of him was short of cash. In keeping with the generosity and good feeling of the day, Buzz bought that person a t-shirt as well as his own.
- There was a parade for past shelter dogs adopted and for shelter dogs currently available for adoption. The crowd gave them a standing ovation. Marnie Munger, a long time FOTAS supporter, texted, “It was a blast! Such a good turnout and positive vibe.” Amen to that, Marnie.
- County Council members in attendance included Chairman Gary Bunker, assistant council chair, Andrew Siders (who sang the national anthem), assistant county administrator, Brian Sanders (who participated in the parade with his shelter adopted dog), assistant county administrator/chief development officer Joel Duke, and Paige Bayne, the director of code enforcement. Paige, who oversees the shelter, attended with her adopted shelter dog and her husband, Jason. Both Paige and Jason donated their time as EMTs.
- Two new County Councilmen, Ron Felder and Mike Kellems, attended as well. Councilman Kellems sponsored an adoption fee for some lucky canine looking for a home.
The Aiken County Animal Shelter still receives way, way too many strays and surrendered animals every year. Although progress on reducing overpopulation has been painfully slow, no adoptable pet has been euthanized at the shelter for over five years. That’s a big deal, made possible only by the hard work of shelter staff, volunteers, county council, and the support from you, our supportive community.
Woofstock is a celebration of the effort, generosity, and commitment of everyone who works to save the County’s homeless and abandoned animals.
See you at Woofstock next year, I can’t wait!
Their lives are truly in our hands.
By Jennifer Miller FOTAS President
