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Barktoberfest

October 8th, 2012 by WCBC Radio

 

 

 

WCBC's Dick Yoder talks with Dave Williams about the Allegany County Animal Shelters Barktoberfest event being held Friday and Saturday, October 12th and 13th.





Saturday, October 13, Downtown Cumberland is going to the dogs – and the cats. Barktoberfest, sponsored by the Downtown Cumberland Business Association and Allegany County Animal Shelter Management Foundation will be filled with plenty of activities for children and adults and a few for the animals, too.

A shelter animal adopt-a-thon will be held from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on the Liberty Street Stage. “The shelter is overflowing with dogs and cats right now and we need to find them good homes,” commented Tina Rafferty, president of the ACAS Management Foundation. “We’d love to have them all adopted at Barktoberfest. All the adoptable animals will be up-to-date on their shots and many have been spayed or neutered.” Adoption fees will be waived for the day. Interested parties should bring proof of home ownership or permission from their landlords.

Veterinarian Dr. Edwin Braken will be holding a rabies and microchip clinic for pets. There will be a fee for rabies shots and for micro chipping. Dr. Bracken has been caring for shelter animals for several months and will soon be open an office on Bedford Road. He not only cares for small animals but also large farm animals including horses, cattle and alpacas.

From 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Knippenberg Insurance will sponsor its second annual Pumpkin Palooza as part of the event. Children are invited to come down and pick out a pumpkin to paint. Pumpkin Palooza will also feature face painting. With a donation of a food item for the Food Bank, free bicycle helmets will be given out to children while quantities last.

“We are really happy to be able to participate in Barktoberfest,” commented Eleanor Madden, Director of Communications. “Knippenberg Insurance is committed to supporting the community and this is just a great place to show our support.”

Several of the Downtown Cumberland businesses including Fort Cumberland Emporium, Tree House Toy Shop, Barkin’ Basement Thrift Shop and The Book Center will be holding a sidewalk sale starting at 10 a.m. Other animal related vendors such as Uptown Hound and Laundramutt, Homeward Bound Cat Rescue, Animal Welfare Society, the Frostburg Dog Park and more will be set up with information, raffles and other items.

The Book Center will also be hosting a children’s activity around the book, “My Dog, My Cat” written by Ashlee Fletcher. In this bright new picture book designed for preschoolers and early elementary children, the author describes all the differences between her dog and cat, which don't always get along. Her dog barks; her cat meows. Her dog likes steak; her cat likes tuna. Her dog's tongue is wet; her cat's tongue is rough. But the story ends on a delightfully sweet note when the author reveals what her dog and cat have in common — a love of pizza and a love of their owner. The strong lines and fresh colors make this book an appealing read as young readers learn about normal behaviors for the two most popular pets, and that even the most different of creatures can find things in common. Children are encouraged to bring photos of their favorite pets which will be posted and displayed at The Book Center. Every child who brings in a photograph of their favorite cat or dog will receive a gift from the Book Center.

At 11 a.m., the ACAS Management Foundation will unveil their newly wrapped bus. The bus, donated by the Allegany Transit Authority is used to transport shelter animals to adopt-a-thons, veterinary appointments and rescues. The bus wrap, designed by McClarran and Williams and printed and applied by Custom Concepts was made possible by a grant from Petco.

For more information on Barktoberfest, call Becky McClarran at 301-724-2453 or becky@mcclarranwilliams.com. For information about the Allegany County Animal Shelter, visit www.ashelterofhope.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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