St. Petrick’s Day celebration rescheduled for late April with little change
Community, News March 24, 2022
ELLIJAY, Ga. – Rescheduling has completed for a spring time celebration in downtown Ellijay with the St. Petrick’s Day event. Put on in partnership with FOGAS (Friends of Gilmer Animal Shelter) and the Gilmer Chamber, the event was cancelled on its original March 12 date for 2022.
However, the event is returning in one month to make up for the cancellation. With snow and high winds forecasted, much of the event would not have been able to go on. FOGAS members were concerned for pets and citizens to hold the event on its original date.
Through continued comments and questions on social media, many asked for a reschedule instead of a full cancellation. Unfortunately, a very booked April means the reschedule won’t occur until April 30, 2022. FOGAS Vice-President Sylvia Harris stated that they did not want to interrupt or pull away from any other events in Ellijay and this weekend, as the last weekend in March, will host their Pet Vaccination Clinic and Spay/Neuter Day.
With so many events going on in the early spring, Harris said that the month will be very busy. However, she said they have been very fortunate in that the majority of the vendors and events have confirmed to be joining the rescheduled St. Petrick’s Day. Pets are also adoptable throughout the event from the Gilmer County Animal Shelter, Pickens County Animal Shelter, and Homeward Bound. Other pet rescues will also be present for the day showcasing their rescues including goats, llamas, and horses.
Additionally, they have managed to keep the celebration events the same. The event goes from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m in the parking lot behind Dalton State College, but the parade through downtown begins at the Ellijay Elementary School at noon. Registration can be done online or in-person if you arrive early before the parade. Additionally, for those looking to potentially adopt a pet, you can “test-drive” adoptable pets from animal shelters or Homeward Bound.
Harris also noted that the parade will go from the elementary school, to the square along North Main Street, around the square and down Dalton Street, and then returning to the school via Teem Street and North Street again. They have noted that the Parade Walkers will be exiting the parade at Broad Street but Parade vehicles & floats will continue down Dalton Street and back to McCutchen Street.
Even an off-season visit from Semper Fi Santa will be happening at the event. Despite the day, FOGAS is returning to the Irish holiday for citizens and visitors alike to join in.
While most of the vendors are returning, a few openings were left and the St. Petrick’s Day Celebration is accepting both vendor and parade participant applications. An additional food vendor offering vegetarian and/or vegan options is also desired. Vendor fees are set at $40 with electricity and $35 without electricity. Joining the parade holds a $5 walker fee and a $25 float, vehicle, or group fee.
St. PETrick’s Day canceled due to possible inclement weather
Community, News March 9, 2022
ELLIJAY, Ga. – While St. Patrick’s Day will be coming next Thursday, the holiday will see celebrations starting this weekend for citizens and visitors to downtown Ellijay, Georgia, with St. PETrick’s Day.
An annual event, the celebration, like so many others, has seen cancellations over the last two years due to the COVID-19 outbreak. However, committee lead for the St. Petrick’s Day event and Vice-President of FOGAS (Friends Of Gilmer Animal Shelter) Sylvia Harris said that they are looking to continue this weekend’s event without fail. Going so far as to say rain, shine, or snow will not stop this events return, Harris was enthusiastic about the chance for citizens and pet lovers to once again return to their parade through the downtown area.
The return of the annual pet parade and festival saw a great response from several organizations and businesses as Harris reports that the vendor spots sold out and they had to close the registration almost a full week ahead of the deadline. In addition, as part of their efforts to support the county and tourism in it, the Gilmer Chamber has also partnered with FOGAS, who is hosting St. Petrick’s Day this year, with a grant for advertising and marketing for the event.
This year, St. Petrick’s Day is seeing some upgrades and minor changes to the venue that will allow even more fun with the whole family, even the furry members. Harris noted that while the event has been held on North Main Street in past years, utilizing the parking lot next to First Baptist of Ellijay, they will be marching all the way around the square and up Broad Street to the parking lot behind Dalton State College and next to the county courthouse.
The event goes from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m in the parking lot behind Dalton State College, but the parade through downtown begins at the Ellijay Elementary School at noon. Registration can be done online or in-person if you arrive early before the parade. Additionally, for those looking to potentially adopt a pet, you can “test-drive” adoptable pets from animal shelters or Homeward Bound.
Those pets are also adoptable throughout the event from the Gilmer County Animal Shelter, Pickens County Animal Shelter, and Homeward Bound. Other pet rescues will also be present for the day showcasing their rescues including goats, llamas, and horses.
More than just a parade of pets, the event hosts face painting, Friends of Harrison Park, local vendors for things like homemade animal treats, local businesses, and a bounce house for kids among other things. Additionally, the pet contests return again. Make sure both family members and pets dress up for the event. Pet Contest categories include Best Dressed, Best Vocal Performance, Best Trick with Young Handlers (17 and under), Most Unusual, and the Best Owner Pet Look-alike.
Though planning started slow in November 2021, Harris said they monitored things and looked to hold the event and made plans. Yet, they felt unsure if the event would follow through or if cancellations and closures might happen again. However, the closer the event has come, the more confident organizers became. Harris said about the event’s return, “It feels very exciting because you’re bringing the community together and we’ve had so many positive responses. You can feel the excitement that people have that they are actually going out to fun events again. For those of us putting it on, it feels great.”
Homeward Bound Pet of the Week: Lula Belle
Community January 3, 2022
Meet Lula Belle; a 2 ½ year old; 21 lb. beagle (mix??) who had lived in a terrible hoarding situation with 20 other dogs. When rescued from that home, she found herself in a shelter for a year living in a crate/run and let out 3 times a day. LB has been with HBPR since 11/20/21. She is residing comfortably in a foster home with 3 dogs and a cat. The fosters are retired and home most of the time. At this time, a harness and leash is kept on her 24/7; in order to get her outside for walks. Her leash walking is fine and enjoys sniffing the new smells. LB has improved social skills to the point we feel she is ready for a forever home with a hero who will have the time and patience that it’ll take for her to bond. (She bonded quickly to her foster dad and lets the rest of us in s-l-o-w-l-y.) Another dog and a fenced yard would be an ideal home for LB. Every day is a new discovery for her and us!
For more information about the Homeward Bound Pet Rescue pets, check out our website and apply online: www.hbpr.org. We are always looking for volunteers to foster and help with socializing our cats and dogs. We are located between Ellijay and Blue Ridge, GA.
Homeward Bound Pet of the Week: Jakey
Community December 24, 2021
Meet Jakey, an owner surrender due to no fault of his own. This handsome fox terrier mix is around 8 months old; and 26 lbs. and full of puppy energy. He would love a fenced area and kids to play with! If you have chickens, he is not the pup for you! He is house trained; will have his vetting done soon and be ready for his forever home! For more information about the Homeward Bound Pet Rescue pets, check out our website and apply online: www.hbpr.org. We are always looking for volunteers to foster and help with socializing our cats and dogs. We are located between
Ellijay and Blue Ridge, GA.
Homeward Bound Pet of the Week: Romi
Community December 17, 2021
An unfortunate tale for this little guy named Romi. He and his family found themselves without a home. Once his family found temporary shelter, Romi was not welcome there. We made him welcome at our shelter and found a very sweet, loving dog who enjoys the company of everyone; cats, dogs and kids. He is around 10 years old; 13 lbs. and is ready for immediate adoption. Come on! Let’s get Romi home for Christmas!
For more information about the Homeward Bound Pet Rescue pets, check out our website and apply online: www.hbpr.org. We are always looking for volunteers to foster and help with socializing our cats and dogs. We are located between Ellijay and Blue Ridge, GA.
Homeward Bound Pet of the Week: Lulu Belle
Community December 3, 2021
Meet Lulu Belle, a 2 ½ year old beagle mix who weighs in at 21 lbs. At first glance, you’ll see her pretty face but what you don’t see is the suffering she had in the past as part of a hoarding/abuse case and living in a shelter for a year without anyone showing interest in adopting her or her 2 siblings. LB is in a foster home now and is very comfortable with the fosters’ 4 dogs and cat. In less than a week, she started showing signs of trusting humans and allowed petting without getting direct eye contact. In one week, we found out that she loves snacks and has bonded with her foster dad who makes liver treats! In 10 days, she was on foster dad’s lap giving puppy kisses. There’s hope for her future but will have to be a family with a lot of patience as they introduce Lulu Belle to the world. She is now walking well on a leash and wears a harness. A fenced yard and a mature dog would be perfect to show her how to be a dog.
For more information about the Homeward Bound Pet Rescue pets, check out our website and apply online: www.hbpr.org. We are always looking for volunteers to foster and help with socializing our cats and dogs. We are located between Ellijay and Blue Ridge, GA.
Presents for Pets- Homeward Bound Pet Rescue
Community December 2, 2021
Homeward Bound Pet of the Week: Heath
Community November 5, 2021
Meet Heath, a sweet little low rider who weighs around 25 lbs. and is around 10 months old. Heath is always big smiles, wiggly body and a wagging tail. He loves other dogs, kids and has been fine with cats in his foster home. He is a very active, playful pup. We don’t know if he’s ever been in a home before coming to us. He activity level is not for everyone. He loves walking on a leash and is house trained.
For more information about the Homeward Bound Pet Rescue pets, check out our website and apply online: www.hbpr.org. We are always looking for volunteers to foster and help with socializing our cats and dogs. We are located between Ellijay and Blue Ridge, GA.
Homeward Bound Pet of the Week: Lilia
Community October 22, 2021
Meet Lilia, an 8-month-old beauty who loves everyone she meets; dogs; kids; and their parents! You will want to bury your fingers into her soft, thick hair as she leans into you. Lilia has a lot of energy and will require an active family to take her for walks and playtime. A fenced yard is preferable but not required.
For more information about the Homeward Bound Pet Rescue pets, check out our website and apply online: www.hbpr.org. We are always looking for volunteers to foster and help with socializing our cats and dogs. We are located between Ellijay and Blue Ridge, GA.
Homeward Bound Pet of the Week: Scrappy
Community October 21, 2021
The smile is genuine; we promise! Scrappy is a 2 year old, 45 lb. mix of cute,
sweet and very short legs. Scrappy has been outside of the kennel on occasion
and has proved that he likes other dogs! This boy loves long leash walks and is
gentle on a leash. He is nearing the end of his heartworm treatments, so we have
not been able to see his energetic side. He is a gentle snuggle bunny and loves
car rides.
For more information about the Homeward Bound Pet Rescue pets, check out our
website and apply online: www.hbpr.org. We are always looking for volunteers
to foster and help with socializing our cats and dogs. We are located between
Ellijay and Blue Ridge, GA.
Homeward Bound Pet Of The Week: Hera
Fast & Furriest June 6, 2021
If you are looking for cuteness and sweetness all in one small package, meet Hera, an 8 year old, 8 lb. bundle of snuggles. Someone had her as a pet one time but let her run and never claimed her in animal control. The best part of her life is about to begin! She is doing well in a foster home and gets along with the other dogs and cat.
For more information about the Homeward Bound Pet Rescue pets, check out our website and apply online: www.hbpr.org. We are always looking for volunteers to foster and help with socializing our cats and dogs. We are located between Ellijay and Blue Ridge, GA.
Homeward Bound Pet Of The Week: Cheeky and Carlie.
Fast & Furriest May 23, 2021
Meet Mom, Cheeky, the beautiful 7-year-old fawn-colored chi who weighs 8 lbs, and her daughter, Carlie, a 3-year-old rat/chi who weighs 12lbs.
These girls were an owner surrender at animal control due to the owner no longer able to care for them. They are sweet little girls who love human attention, seem to be house trained, and enjoy walking on a leash.
For more information about Homeward Bound Pet Rescue, check out our website and apply online: www.hbpr.org. We are always looking for volunteers to foster and help with socializing our cats and dogs. We are located between Ellijay and Blue Ridge, GA.
Homeward Bound Pet Of The Week: Tobias
Fast & Furriest May 16, 2021
Play ball……anyone? Someone? Tobias, Mr. Black Velvet himself, is a ball chasing, fetching, zoomies kind of guy. It doesn’t matter the size or color of the ball. It’s all a game for this almost 2 year old lab mix. He also has a gentle snuggly side and loves to go walking on a leash. Tobias is friendly to other dogs he knows. As with any dog, a meet and greet with your pet(s) would be necessary to determine compatibility.
For more information about Homeward Bound Pet Rescue, check out our website and apply online: www.hbpr.org. We are always looking for volunteers to foster and help with socializing our cats and dogs. We are located between Ellijay and Blue Ridge, GA.
Homeward Bound Pet Of The Week: Petey
Fast & Furriest May 9, 2021
This handsome boy, Petey, is 44 lbs. of love and snuggles. Petey’s sordid past does not keep him from smiling at everyone he meets! He is
house trained, enjoys walking on a leash, chewing on squeak toys and just hanging out next to you. Petey would love to be able to run and play but because he is heartworm positive, his activity level must be kept to a minimum for the next few months. Not to worry about the treatment expense, HBPR takes care of that. Our goal is to get him healthy and a forever home.
For more information about Homeward Bound Pet Rescue, check out our website and apply online: www.hbpr.org. We are always looking for volunteers to foster and help with socializing our cats and dogs. We are located between Ellijay and Blue Ridge, GA.
Homeward Bound Pet Of The Week: Tater
Fast & Furriest April 11, 2021
Meet Tater, a 2 ½ year old, 40 lb. blend of sweetness and cuteness. He was adopted about a year ago and was just returned due to a change in family circumstances. Tater is a bit confused as to why he no longer has a family but is just as calm and sweet as ever. He loves attention, bonds quickly, walks great on a leash, house trained…..everything you would want in a dog.
For more information about Homeward Bound Pet Rescue, check out our website and apply online: www.hbpr.org. We are always looking for volunteers to foster and help with socializing our cats and dogs. We are located between Ellijay and Blue Ridge, GA.
Homeward Bound Pet Of The Week: Pixie
Fast & Furriest April 4, 2021
Pixie is looking for a retirement home where she can enjoy life as any senior dog should be allowed to. Pixie’s world was turned upside down a few weeks ago when her Mom passed away and the family brought her to an animal control facility. She has been with HBPR for a couple weeks and is now totally vetted; including dental where she had 12 teeth removed, is on weight management and exercising her way to a healthy weight. Pixie is 11 years old.
For more information about Homeward Bound Pet Rescue, check out our website and apply online: www.hbpr.org. We are always looking for volunteers to foster and help with socializing our cats and dogs. We are located between Ellijay and Blue Ridge, GA.