The Downtown Business Committee of the Taft District Chamber of Commerce and Visitors’ Bureau presented the first annual Love Your Pet Day on Saturday, October 28, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. An estimated 250 pet lovers, with their pets in tow, descended on Center Street to enjoy trick or treating at 21 designated pet-friendly businesses.
They also made their way to the Fifth Street Plaza to participate in Pictures with Your Pet, made possible by Mallory of Stay Golden Rents, free dog treats and nutritious meals from True Value, dog and cat accessories from Haileah Taylor, and collapsible water bowls and other helpful accessories for traveling dog owners provided by State Farm.
Children enjoyed the bounce house provided by Memo Jumpers, and delicious tri-tip sandwiches, courtesy of the Lion’s Club of Taft, were available for purchase throughout the event.
Kern County Animal Control came with eight adoptable dogs – all spayed/neutered, chipped and up to date on their shots. Four lucky families walked away with beautiful, healthy pets. Val from Taft Animal Control was also on hand to show pictures of adoptable pets already here in our community.
The star of the pet costume contest was Wendy Berry’s ECHO, dressed as an 80’s disco dancer – as much as a Black Lab can look like a disco dancer!
Window painting was featured on seven Center Street businesses, and the artists were local Taft High School art students from Mrs.
Davis’ classes. The Fox Theater, Westside Furniture, 714 Center Street Beauty Salon, R&S Furniture, Messenger Automotive, Old’s Cool, and Black Gold offered their windows to the students to capture their take on Halloween. Trick-or-treaters were given ballots to vote for their favorite.
All student artists receive gift certificates for art supplies, with the winner, Adalyn Evertse, receiving the coveted $50 gift certificate. Adalyn’s art was displayed in the window of the Fox Theater.
“On behalf of the Chamber Board of Directors, I would like to thank Jon Atherly of Westside Furniture for his leadership and hard work on this event,” commented Kathy Orrin, Chamber Executive Director. “He was ably assisted by Julie Franks of State Farm, Amy Steers of Fertile Earth, and Renee Adamo of the West Side Park and Recreation District.”
