Spooky season is here and with it comes an even greater reason to celebrate. The 23rd annual Woofstock festival is being held at Sedgwick County Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 5, and it couldn’t be any sooner. 

Woofstock is a pet-themed fundraiser maintained by the Kansas Humane Society in response to the many animals in need of a forever home, and they have an ambitious goal. According to the KHS website, the organization has already raised 52 percent of their final goal at more than $150,000 dollars and hopes to raise upwards of $280,000 dollars in support of pet adoption, dog training, behavior consultation, and so much more. 

The KHS is a non-profit organization specializing in rescuing and adopting out animals. KHS is able to care for nearly 16,000 pets each year because of this event and hopes to continue to do so for years to come. The funds raised by Woofstock all go to taking care of animals and rescuing them from whatever situation they may be in. The festival has vastly grown in popularity, and last year more than 10,000 people attended the event at Sedgwick County Park.

Volunteering for the event will be several students from Maize South High School in support of KHS and their aspiring goal. Junior Madeline Hazlewood enjoys giving back to the community through volunteering at the dog-themed event.

“Its a chance to help out and give back,” said Hazlewood. “It’s important to put your time and effort into the community.” 

Everyone within the C.A.C.O.W organization is excited to partake in Saturday’s philanthropy. Mr. Bradshaw, who guides the students at the actual event, is excited for his students to get their hands dirty and work at the admission booth this year.

“Volunteering is important because it lets the students see parts of the community they usually don’t see,” said sponsor for C.A.C.O.W and English teacher, Mr. Bradshaw. “It gives them experience as a public worker and not the customer. Volunteering really flips the script that the students are used to.”