RICHMOND COUNTY — The Richmond County Animal Shelter will host a Memorial Day Adoption and Community Spotlight event Saturday, May 16, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in hopes of finding homes for animals currently at the shelter.
The event will feature music, local small businesses and a bandana-making contest in which the public can vote for their favorite design. Bandanas cost $3 and must be submitted by May 15. The winner will receive one spay or neuter procedure at Gandy’s Animal Hospital and a $50 gift card of their choice.
Cat adoptions will be $60 and include spay or neuter services through the shelter’s veterinary provider. Dog adoptions will be $80 and also include spay or neuter services. Anyone showing a military ID will receive 50% off adoption fees.
The shelter has reportedly exceeded capacity multiple times and is seeking adoptions to help create additional space for animals in its care.
The event was originally scheduled for May 2 but was postponed because of weather conditions.
“We hope everyone can still join us for a great day of helping animals find their forever homes,” the shelter said in a released statement. “Thank you for your understanding, and we can’t wait to see you there!”
Also taking place Saturday, the Derby Fire Department will host its annual spaghetti dinner fundraiser from 4 to 8 p.m. at 2179 Derby Road in Ellerbe. Dine-in and takeout options will be available.
To place an order, contact Chief David Poland at 910-417-1589 or Secretary Connie Green at 919-669-2267 by phone or text. Meals cost $12 and include spaghetti, salad, bread and dessert for dine-in customers. Free delivery will be available for orders of more than 10 plates. Proceeds will support the Derby Fire Department.
Additional events scheduled for Saturday include a Day of Service hosted by VFW Post 4203-Rockingham beginning at 9 a.m.
Volunteers will assist with cleaning Veterans Memorial Park by painting crosses, trimming bushes, washing fences and performing general cleanup. Lunch will be provided for volunteers following the event.
The Richmond County Rescue Squad-Rockingham Unit will also host an open house Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m. in celebration of its 65th anniversary.
The event will feature live music and food and beverage trucks, including The Taco Factory, SodaFusion, McKinnon’s BBQ & Soul and Puckered Up Lemonade. T-shirts will be available for purchase for $25 in sizes small through extra-large, with additional sizes available for an extra charge.