On a warm October evening, pups wagged their tails to the beat of “Don’t Stop Believing,” while their owners sipped on locally brewed beer. The yard was decorated with gravestones, and children were playing corn hole. It was Columbia Humane Society’s first ever “Woofstock.”
The Humane Society teamed up with River Rat Brewery last Saturday to host the family and dog-friendly festival to promote the society’s many pet services.
“We wanted to do something with River Rat,” said Erin Smith, director of public support for the Humane Society. “We are so happy to have such a great turn out.”
Attendees enjoyed air conditioning in the River Rat Brewery’s newly furnished bar and sat at picnic benches outside and listened to local cover band Jet Lag Jones. Folks could choose between a number of River Rat’s beers, including popular Hazelnut Brown Ale and Broad River Red. The $30 tickets at the door bought guests two drink tickets and an afternoon of fur-filled fun.
A silent auction offered champagne gift baskets and weekend getaways to the highest bidders. The venue was decorated in the spirit of October with jack-o-lanterns and beheaded creatures on the shelves, while the band played rock classics like Journey and The Black Keys.
Columbia resident Lisa Verano said “bringing the dogs” was her favorite thing about the festival. Families of all shapes and sizes came out, including the “four legged children.” There were even a few dogs up for adoption visiting from the Humane Society.
“It is nice to see all the animals out here, supporting a good cause,” Columbia resident Sharon Broadnax said. She and her brother Gregg Broadnax enjoyed River Rat Brewery’s Hazelnut Brown Ale while admiring the festivities.
Smith said that the overall energy of the event was her favorite part of the festival.
“It’s nice to see everyone gather together with the same passion and mindset,” she said. “We would like to do this again next year with more bands and families.”
The Humane Society raises money to fund its low-cost spay and neuter clinic, which serves the Midlands community. Smith said they'll implement a mobile, spay-and-neuter clinic in January, in order to reach the wide-spread community. Customers will be able to call the Humane Society, set up an appointment and have the mobile van arrive at their home. The Humane Society also employs a full-time animal cruelty investigator.
The organization partners with USC for volunteer opportunities and gives students a chance to satisfy leadership distinction graduation requirements.
But the USC connection didn't stop there — several students from USC’s Department of Hospitality and Retail Management helped plan and operate of this event. Columbia Humane Society’s next big event will be the See Spot Run on May 16. Volunteer applications are available at http://humanesc.org/volunteer/.