On July 23 and 24, Kirkpatrick Foundation is hosting a series of fun, family friendly events to celebrate the tenth anniversary of its animal welfare program, Safe & Humane. Launched on July 24, 2012, Safe and Humane is dedicated to improving the lives of all Oklahoma animals, from pets and wildlife to farm animals, to make Oklahoma the safest and most humane place to be an animal by the year 2032. All weekend events are free and sponsored by Kirkpatrick Foundation.
In addition to celebratory events, Kirkpatrick Foundation will partner with animal nonprofits along Route 66 to spay and neuter more than 500 owned pets, offering a $66 per pet incentive.
"All Oklahomans and summer travelers are invited to celebrate with us on this historic stretch of Route 66," says Louisa McCune, executive director of Kirkpatrick Foundation. "We are incredibly grateful for the enthusiasm, encouragement, and alliances we’ve built with partners across Oklahoma, as we all work to make our state a beacon in the movement to protect animals and the environment."
Manda Overturf Shank, program officer, says: "Oklahoma has a rich history of kindness to animals, although we’ve sometimes gotten away from those early values. We know that how animals are faring is often a key metric for overall societal well being. On Saturday and Sunday, we’ll celebrate farm animals and the humane places on Route 66 that remind us to be kind to all animals."
Event lineup of Safe & Humane on Route 66 includes:
Mollie Spencer Farm Open House from 9:30 to 11 a.m., Saturday, July 23, located at 1001 Garth Brooks Boulevard in Yukon. Situated on the original Chisholm Trail, Mollie Spencer Farm is a 33-acre farm that promotes the health, wellbeing, and humane treatment of animals. Attendees are invited to visit the sheep, donkeys, horses, geese and bees who live at the farm. Parking is available at the south end of the Yukon Middle School. Breakfast items and drinks will be served.
Round-the-Clock Screening of the 1995 classic film Babe from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 23 and Sunday, July 24 at the Round Barn, 107 E. Route 66 in Arcadia. This beloved film about a plucky piglet will be complemented by an art installation of "Animal Soul" by Jason Hackenwerth. Free popsicles, popcorn, and cold drinks will be available. Live music in association with the Arcadia Historical and Preservation Society includes The Ramblers from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Michael Kleid from 1:45 to 2:30 p.m. and 4:15 to 5 p.m., Madison McCoy from 3 to 3:45 p.m. and 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. Saturday, and Erick Taylor from 6:45 to 7: 30 p.m. on Saturday. The lineup continues Sunday with Joe Hopper at 10:30 to 11:15 a.m., Aaron Newman at 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., Edgar Cruz from 1 to 3 p.m. and 3:30 to 4:15 p.m., Rocky Kanaga from 4:45 to 5:30 p.m., Joey Wallace from 6 to 6:45 p.m. and Rick Jawnsun from 7:15 to 8 p.m.
Oliver and Friends Farm Sanctuary Open House will be held Sunday at 20217 N Indian Meridian, Luther. Two tours of Oklahoma’s only farm animal sanctuary will be available, one at 8 a.m. and another at 7 p.m. A Blessing of the Animals will take place during the morning tour. To reserve a spot, please visit kirkpatrickfoundation.com or email office@kirkpatrickfoundation.com.
"From puppy mills and unnecessary euthanasia to cruel livestock practices, cockfighting, and greyhound live baiting, we still have much work ahead to make Oklahoma a great place for animals—and, therefore, all Oklahomans," says McCune. "But this weekend? This weekend is all about loving animals! We invite everyone to bring your friends and family and spend some time with the animals."
Please note this weekend will be extra-hot. Attendees are encouraged to leave pets at home, stay hydrated throughout the weekend, and wear sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen.