By: Sarah A. Neikam, Operations Manager

The 4th annual Barkaritaville event is only 39 short days away, so today I’ll fill you in on who, what, when, where, and why you should be there!

Who: The event is organized and hosted by the SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare; a private, nonprofit, animal welfare organization located right here in Aiken since 1935. We provide shelter, medical care and adoptions to homeless pets, effective and fun training to dog owners, low-cost spay/neuter, full-service veterinary care and humane education opportunities to local school children.

What: Barkaritaville is an annual fall fundraiser and street party for people and their dogs (or really brave cats). Themed booths will line our parking lot offering fun, tasty food samples and creative drink concoctions. Each booth will be competing for best food, best drink, best theme, and overall best booth. The best part is YOU get to be the judge with your supplied voting tokens so you’ll want to try everything!

We’ll also have fun carnival games to play, a costume contest (details soon), a cash bar and live music all night by Third Time Charmers. Leashed dogs are welcome and admitted free with a paying person. Kids age 12 and under are admitted for $10 with a paying adult. $25 advance tickets are on sale now at our facility or online at www.LetLoveLive.org. Tickets will be available at the gate for $30.

Would you rather get in free? You have a couple of options:

1. Register to host a FREE themed booth. Bring your culinary or drink-mixing skills to our party and not only will you and a friend get admission, but also two souvenir t-shirts. You could win $500 and a mountain vacation!

We’ll provide the booth space, paper trays for food, small cups for drinks and all the sporks and napkins you’ll need. You provide whatever else you need including table(s), chairs, a tent and decor for your chosen theme. Hurry, spaces are limited and they’re filling up fast! Call 803-648-6863 or email [email protected] to register a booth.

2. Follow our Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/spcaalbrechtcenter and stay tuned for weekly contests. Photo contests, comment contests, meme contests and more; making it fun and easy to win tickets!

When and Where: Barkaritaville is Saturday, October 22nd, 6:00pm until 10:00pm. All the fun happens in the parking lot of our facility at 199 Willow Run Road, in Aiken, SC. Be sure to bring a photo ID and designated driver if you plan to partake in adult beverages.

Why should you be there? Barkaritaville is your chance to “Party for the Pets” and party with your own pet! Your $25 ticket price is a great value with all booth food and drinks included, plus carnival games (with prizes!) and live music all night. And it’s for a really great cause so you’ll feel good knowing you had a fun time while helping support the animals in your community.

You don’t want to miss this party!

Visit www.LetLoveLive.org to purchase tickets, get more details and see photos from past Barkaritaville events.

Sarah Neikam is the Communications & Marketing Director for the SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare. She is an Aiken native and has been with the SPCA since 2012. Sarah lives in Graniteville with her husband, Tom, mother, Cheryl and three adopted cats: Bastian, Luna and Grady.

The SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare is a private, nonprofit, no kill animal shelter in Aiken, SC.  The SPCA also operates a local Thrift Store (“Where Shopping Saves Lives”),  a public, affordable Veterinary Care Center & a Dog Park.  It is our mission to improve the lives of companion animals by rehoming abused, abandoned, and neglected pets while fighting for their well-being through vigorous legislative efforts, humane education, and by offering affordable veterinary care for all.

WANT TO SUPPORT OUR HOMELESS ANIMALS?