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By Elisabeth Altamirano-Smith | Community Columnist

The Chilton County Humane Society, in partnership with The Wellness Group, will host the Howloween Fall Festival on Oct. 21 from 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at Ollie Park in Clanton.

The name of the event, “Howloween,” is a fun word-play for the fall festival since it serves as a fundraiser to the Chilton County Humane Society. Sixty vendors have pre-registered, as well as five food trucks, two dessert trucks and five dessert tents.

“This event is much larger than we had originally planned,” Katherine Reece, event organizer and Humane Society Board Member, said. “There are many arts and crafts vendors, as well as food options. We are excited to see the community supporting us. We really need community support, not only in their participation in this event, but also with spaying and neutering their pets.”

The Humane Society will have event t-shirts available for $15 as well as low-cost spay and neuter certificates for purchase. Cash and cards will be accepted.

Other attractions at Howloween include an auction starting at 2 p.m., DJ Rhino J Entertainment, live music, inflatables, an obstacle course, slide and face painting. People are also welcome to bring their pets. Costume contests for both children and pets will be between 3-4 p.m. Prizes will be awarded accordingly, and a raffle will follow at 4 p.m.

“Even if a child doesn’t want to be in the costume contest, everyone is encouraged to come dressed in their costume,” said Reece. “This is a fun and friendly event. There will be photo opportunities.”

Proceeds from the fundraiser will go to the general fund of the Humane Society which provides basic needs to shelter animals.

“This is a heart-breaking business to be in when you have to make health decisions with limited financial resources,” said Reece. “We really need the community to come out and support us at this event.”

Howloween has largely been sponsored by The Wellness Group and Dawn Smith as well as Pokana Talahassi Music Store, Chilton County Physical Therapy, First Bank of Alabama, Cool Change Body Sculpting and Deidra Gadberry of State Farm Insurance.

Ollie Park is located at 403 Ollie Avenue, Clanton.

For more information, visit the Humane Society of Chilton County via Facebook or email howloween2023@gmail.com.