Opening Celebration for Fins, Feathers, Claws and Paws: Living with Creatures

Join us Sunday afternoon for the opening celebration for the Belton Area Museum Association’s newest exhibit Fins, Feathers, Claws and Paws: Living with Creatures, September 24, from 3 – 5 PM.

“It will be fun for people who love animals, whether you’re a year old or 100,” stated BAMA Executive Director Abigail Burden.

There will be lots of family-friendly activities including a pet expo on the depot grounds, seminars and exhibitions including a retriever demonstration by Cherokee Foothills Hunter and Retriever Club, a farm animal petting zoo provided by BHP FFA, pet grooming, a chance to paint a pet rock, and opportunities to win free raffle items.

Pet-related businesses will have information to hand out and chances for raffle items to be won. Those already committed to participate are Electric City Stay and Play, J and K Grooming,  Alpha Dog Training Services, Invisible Fence of Greenville, Honea Path Animal Hospital, Camp Bow Wow, Anderson County Humane Society, Hyco K-9 Fund, SC Dogs/Pet Therapy, Anderson Dog Works, Clemson Kennel Club, and PetSmart.

If your business would like to join us that day, please contact Alison Darby at 864-958-5264 to reserve a spot.

Doris Lannon of the Living Collection Animals will bring several of her exotic pets for a great educational program and chance to have pictures made with creatures such as a fox, lemur, flopped ear bunny, all types of lizards, and a monkey.

Included in the celebration is also a Pet Parade and Costume Contest. Children and adults are encouraged to bring their pets and dress in coordinating outfits to win great prizes.

All animals are to be restrained at all times throughout the opening celebration.

Presented by State Farm/Amanda Thompson Agency with additional sponsorship from the City of Belton HTAX and Anderson County ATAX, the exhibit will feature vintage and historic pet items and interactive pet play stations including pet art, a dog bone diving pool, and “on the road” simulator.

See the wall of fame for working and rescue animals, check out what colors pets can see, view vintage hunting and retrieving dog items, and learn about the various breeds that have been popular over the years.

Items are still being sought for display. Please bring loaned items to the museum by Sept. 20.

The exhibit will be on display until Dec. 16, during normal museum hours: Wednesday – Friday (9 til 2) and Saturday (9 -1), or by appointment. As always, the museum is free to visit.

For more information, please contact Abigail Burden, Executive Director, at 864-338-7400 or beltonmuseum@bellsouth.net. Visit during museum hours, Wednesday – Friday, 9 -2, and Saturday 9 – 1. No admission cost, but donations are gladly accepted.