CLARION, Pa. (EYT) – Tri-County Animal Rescue Center will host its fourth annual International Homeless Animals’ Day on Saturday, August 20, in Veterans Memorial Park in Clarion, Pa.

Members of the community can bring their pets to the park from 11:00 a.m. until dusk for the vaccine and microchip clinic, educational speakers, luminary ceremony, and more.

Debbie Stephens, secretary at the rescue center, said about 150 people came to last year’s event.

“We hope many more people come than we’ve seen in the past. We really want to see it grow,” Stephens said. “We hope many people will take advantage of the really low-cost vaccines, and come out to have fun while donating.”

Speakers from the Humane Pennsylvania Political Action Committee, Safe Haven Small Breed Rescue, and Clarion Canine Obedience Club will speak on a variety of topics in the afternoon.

Following the speakers, Animal Advocate Awards will be presented to organizations and individuals in the community.

Nominees include:

• Rescue of the Year Award — Gentle Ben’s Giant Breed Rescue from Zelienople
• Lifetime Achievement Award — Harold Walstrom, over 40 years helping with animal rescue/care organizations
• Lifetime Achievement Award — Donna Tubbs, worked with Clearfield SPCA
• Lifetime Achievement Award — Lori Reynolds, has worked with Grove City Area Pet Rescue for around 20 years

Vendors, raffles, and kids’ games will be available throughout the day.

A schedule of events is as follows:

• 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. — Vaccine and Microchip Clinic by the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society
• 3:00 p.m. — Welcome Ceremony, International Homeless Animals’ Day Proclamation Reading
• 4:00 p.m. — Pet Parade (Pet that are friendly, on a leash, and vaccinated can participate)
• 7:00 p.m. — Blessing of the Animals and Luminaria Ceremony

Luminaria can be purchased for $2.00 in memory of deceased pets or loved ones who enjoyed the company of pets.

For more information on the event and prices for vaccines, visit the Tri-county Animal Rescue Center, Pennsylvania Facebook page, or tricounty-arc.org.