Home Local News Hamlet Walk and Wag to benefit Richmond County Animal Shelter, Operation Fix

Hamlet Walk and Wag to benefit Richmond County Animal Shelter, Operation Fix

RO file photo

HAMLET — The downtown streets are expected to be lined with fur this weekend for the inaugural 5K Walk and Wag, sponsored by Hamlet Depot and Museums.

Mechelle Preslar, museum director, said the inspiration for the Walk and Wag was her love for animals and the desire to create an event where animals are welcome — “but at the same time ask for donations to help the ‘less fortunate’ animals that haven’t been lucky enough to find their forever home.”

With that said, one of the beneficiaries is the Richmond County Animal Shelter. 

K2 Solutions signed a three-year agreement in 2021 to take over operations of the shelter, which had been run by the county since 2013.

A portion of the proceeds will also go to Richmond County Operation Fix, formerly R.C. Animal Advocates.

Several years ago, members of the group decided to shift the focus to assisting residents with spaying and neutering costs to help curb the county’s unwanted pet population.

Founder Allison Story said the group is getting ready to start back the spay-neuter program.

RCOF also collects pet food donations for Richmond County Aging Services’ Meals for Paws program.

While the Walk and Wag is sponsored by the Depot, Preslar said several local businesses that cater to pets and owners “ have been invited to set up to make the community aware of the services we have locally to serve our pet needs.”

Preslar added that other businesses are helping with the paws cause by donating items to give away:

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  • The Berry Patch is donating vanilla ice cream cups;
  • Biscuitville is donating dog biscuits;
  • Riverside Canning is donating homemade dog treats;
  • Johnathon Lewis is donating fruit cups;
  • water has been donated; and
  • a photographer will be on site to take photos of pets and owners in a doggy kissing booth.

Preslar added that new businesses Nerdy Collective and Axe to Grind will be giving away water and “pup cups,” respectively, to participants to stop by their stores.

Walkers are asked to bring items to donate. There will also be a raffle for a pet supply basket.

Sparky the Fire Dog will also make an appearance, Preslar said.

“Everyone is so supportive so I’m hoping for a great turnout,” Preslar said, adding that sign-ups aren’t required, but she’s hoping for at least 50 participants between pets and owners.

All dogs must be leashed during the walk.

No pet? No problem. Preslar said there is no requirement to take part in the event.

The Walk and Wag will start at 9 a.m. at Main Street Park, across from the Depot.

The 3.2-mile residential route will take the walkers and waggers down West Main Street, turn left onto Rice Street, another left onto Rosedale Lane and then a right onto Hill Street, circling around Tarheel Drive back to Rice then a right onto McDonald Avenue and back to the park. A water station for all walkers, including the four-legged ones, will be available about halfway through the route.

The Depot is hosting several other upcoming events this month:

  • TGIF! Food Trucks on Main, 11 a.m. 7 p.m. in the Depot Parking lot on May 13 and 27. There will be a cruise-in for the May 13 event.
  • Yoga By the Tracks, 6 p.m. Thursday, May 18 at Main Street Park
  • Boxcar Concert Series, featuring local band The Safety Committee, 3-5 p.m. Sunday, May 22 at Main Street Park

The museums will be closed on May 30 in observance of Memorial Day.

 



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Managing Editor William R. Toler is an award-winning writer and photographer with experience in print, television and online media.