This weekend is marked by several standout events.
On Sunday, the Eastminster Dog Show returns to the Sandburg Mall. For the past 10 years, the dog show has let pet owners show off their pooches, drawing crowds to benefit the Knox County Humane Society.
Registration starts at noon and the show begins at 1 p.m. Sunday. Registration is $20 per dog at the door, or $15 ahead of time.
Humane Society Director Erin Buckmaster says the proceeds offset the $431,000 annual operating cost of the shelter. Buckmaster tells Galesburg’s Morning News on WGIL that $248,000 comes from an animal control contract with the city, but the rest is from the community.
“Without our fundraising and without the support of the community, and of course without the city, we would not be able to make it,” she says. “We just appreciate everybody’s support, and it’s because of the love of the animals.”
Specifically, this year’s proceeds are going toward a $16,000 outdoor room to let the shelter’s cats roam.
Also this weekend is the Friendship Walk through Knox College campus. Registration begins at 10 a.m. tomorrow. The walk starts at 11 a.m. in Standish Park.
Registration is $15 per person or $10 per person for teams of 10 or more. Proceeds benefit the Knox College Best Buddies Program.
And don’t forget tomorrow is the last day of the 21st annual Carl Sandburg Festival. The celebration concludes with the Rootabaga Poetry Slam at 9 p.m. in 156 East after the dedication of the Carl Sandburg statue at 3 p.m. in the Public Square.
