Hank Williams III Headlines Happy Tales Fundraiser

For the fourth year running, Happy Tales Humane of Franklin, Tennessee will host a
day of food, art and entertainment to raise money for the cats and dogs of their no-kill
animal shelter.
“It is hard to believe this is our fourth year for the Wednesday Night Wags,” said Kat
Hitchcock, Executive Director. “We are thrilled to be able to host a full-day event filled
with activities for both kids and pets, and then provide a party for the adults in the
evening. Something for everyone and all for the animals.”
“One Big Wag” will run from 12pm to 10pm on Wednesday, June 10 at The Factory in Franklin.
The day will kick off with a Blessing of the Animals performed by Reverend Roger
Senechal of St. George’s Episcopal Church. Bring along your pets to take part in this
special ceremony!
The Blessing will be followed by the Animal Gambill Show “whose
mission is to educate children about being kind, safe and responsible with animals.”
The show will include 3 interactive segments including: Tail-Waggin’ Trivia, CRITTERoke
(animal-related karaoke), and the “Tail Talk” newscast with anchor-cat, Hobo
Kitty, and Critter Crusade reporter, Julia Gailor (age 12). Don’t forget “The Bow-Wow
Boogie!”
A wide array of musical guests will perform throughout the afternoon in Jamison Hall
and on the Frisky Berry Stage, including:
- O’Shea – This duet is a blend of soul and rock that’s all country. Look for
them on the upcoming season of CMT’s Can You Duet.
- The Songwriters of Black Ink Music Publishing – This group of highly
talented songwriters will bring acoustic versions of well-recognized hits.
- Marcel – His debut album was “You, Me and the Windshield,” and his song
“Believin’” was recently featured on CMT’s Pure!
- Kristi Rose and Fats Caplin – Singer Kristi and instrumentalist Fats
bring their own musical genre, “Pulp Country.”
- Jimmy Hall and Friends – A mix of Southern rock and R&B, Jimmy has
performed with such artists as Lynyrd Skynyrd and Hank Williams, Jr.
- Joey+Rory & Tim Johnson – Joey+Rory garnered national attention on the
last season of Can You Duet, and released their debut album
Life of a Song in October 2008. Tim, the writer of over 100 major label
cuts and five #1 hit songs, joins the duo.
At 9:00pm, special guest Hank Williams III will fire things up with a concert in
Jamison Hall. Hank III is well-known for his “hellbilly” style – a mix of hard country and
punk rock – and released his fifth album “Damn Right, Rebel Proud” in October of last
year. His irreverent style is recommended for ages 14 and up. Hank is a strong
supporter of the work at Happy Tales and asks, “What has a stray dog done to
deserve to be killed by injection except being loyal to humans?” Happy Tales is thrilled
to have Hank III on board for the event. “He is a true animal lover and even rescues
strays,” said Hitchcock. “What’s not to love about that?”
Local shops, artists, and non-profit groups will also get into the action by setting up
inside The Factory. In addition, food and beverages will be available from a variety of
local sponsors including Yazoo Beer and Horizon Wine & Spirits. Other ways to
enjoy the fun include the Silent Auction and the “2010 Doggone Purr-fect Calendar
Contest.” For a tax-deductible $20 entry fee, you can submit photos of your pets to be
included in the calendar. Votes for your favorite pictures are $1 each, and all funds
raised support Happy Tales.
To participate in “One Big Wag” you can purchase a wristband right outside the Happy
Tales main entrance on the day of. This wristband will not only get you a reusable
Happy Tales Humane tote bag filled with goodies, but also discounts at participating
Factory shops and chances to enter to win prizes at the sponsored vendor and nonprofit
booths. Wristbands for adults are $20, kids up to age 15 are $5, and children 5
years and under get in free. To pre-order your wristbands call (615) 791-0827 and ask
for Sandy Hodge.
Happy Tales Humane™ is a non-profit, no-kill animal shelter that houses cats and
dogs until each animal finds a “Forever Home.” Located at The Factory in Franklin,
TN, the shelter cares for cats that are free to climb, romp, and play, while the dogs live
with volunteer foster families and only come to the shelter on Saturdays for “Adoption
Day.” The founders of Happy Tales strongly believed that instead of a captive
environment dogs should be sheltered in loving foster homes where they can receive
attention, socialization, and play time.
Happy Tales is open Tuesday through Friday from noon to 6:00pm, and Saturdays
from 11am – 4pm. Cat adoptions are processed throughout the week, while dog
adoptions are handled on Saturdays. In its thirteen years of operation, Happy Tales
has been active in raising awareness about spaying and neutering, aided other no-kill
shelters in the region, and adopted pets into “Forever Homes” at a rate of over 1000
pets per year.
For more information go to www.wednesdaynightwags.com or
www.happytaleshumane.com.