From 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Tractor Supply Company, Wahpeton, hosted animal adoptions, a pet supplies drive, live music and more in its parking lot. All proceeds benefit Chahinkapa Zoo and 4-H of Richland and Wilkin Counties.
"We're very grateful to have Mike (Rosley) and TSC as a great community partner," Zoo Director Kathy Diekman said. "It's fun to see the other animals from different places. This is outstanding and we're really looking forward to continuing this partnership."
Youth of all ages enjoyed petting and playing with the livestock provided by Brad Abel. The petting zoo included five goats, a donkey, a pig, three ducklings and three guinea chicks.
Guests also viewed the 11 antique tractors on site and a vendor fair. Everything from canned goods to glass works was available for purchase.
"We've got vendors from as far as Fergus Falls," Rosley said. "There's 100 racks of ribs (to eat)."
Throughout August, Tractor Supply Company is accepting new sealed food, toys, cleaning supplies, bed, scratching posts, leashes and bowls. They'll be donated to area animal rescue facilities and shelters.
"The supplies drive is an important component to Out Here With Animals because it allows our customers who don't have the ability (to adopt) to still give back in a much needed way," stated a TSC press release.
If all of the activities weren't enough, Out Here With Animals included music from Mike Morris of The Roosters, nail trimming and checkups for animals and a dunk tank sponsored by Heritage Insurance Services. Eric Issendorf, head coach of the North Dakota State College of Science Wildcats football team, was among the community members who volunteered to be dunked.
"It slipped," joked Sarah Abel of the Wahpeton Breckenridge Area Chamber of Commerce as she helped a youth send Issendorf into the water.
