Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina will host a professional rodeo at the B&GH Farm and Exhibition Center on Bill Thompson Lane this August. The 2018 State Farm Rodeo will be held at 8 p.m. on Aug. 17 and 18. Gates will open at 6 p.m. for the event sponsored by local State Farm agents David Ward and Mary Williamson.

The rodeo is sanctioned by the Southern Rodeo Association. Events include bull riding, saddle bronc riding, calf roping, team roping, steer wrestling, bare back riding, barrel racing, and breakaway roping, etc. plus live entertainment.

Admission is $12 each night with children 6 and under admitted free. All proceeds benefit the children of Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina. For more information, contact Amanda Thompson at 910-640-9852.

By Jefferson Weaver

Animal Control officials, rescue volunteers and a lot of pets hope Saturday will be a big day at the Columbus County Animal Shelter.

The shelter is once again participating in the national Clear The Shelter event, sponsored by NBC, Telemundo and Hill’s Science Diet pet foods. The event moved thousands of dogs, puppies, cats and kittens to new homes last year, including 27 pets from the Columbus shelter.

A volunteer helps prepare a dog for adoption at last year’s Clear the Shelter event.

Adoption hours are from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. for the special Saturday event.

Adoption fees for dogs and puppies will be waived, according to Animal Control Director Loretta Shipman, although adopters will still be responsible for spay/neuter costs. The first 10 adopters Saturday will receive discount vouchers from the Columbus Humane Society.

Cat and kitten adoptions will be reduced to $25, which includes all veterinary costs.

The Humane society will be providing free food and drinks during the event, and all adopters will receive a gift bag. Other rescue groups will also be on hand with food and gifts for adopters.

The shelter has been closed to adoptions several times this year due to an overpopulation of dogs and cats. While rescue groups manage to rehome some of the pets, surplus animals are often euthanized to make room for more incoming pets. The mild winter has contributed to a puppy and kitten explosion across the Southeast, according to the state veterinarian’s office, causing an overflow of unwanted or homeless pets.

The Columbus Shelter hopes to move every one of the adoptable animals this weekend, according to officials. Last year’s event was so successful that volunteers and workers stayed after the planned closing to help potential adopters find new furry friends.

“Please come out and make this a special day for all of our animals in need of a forever home,” Shipman said.

For more information, call 910.641.3945, check out adoptable animals at the shelter’s Facebook page, or go by the shelter at 288 Legion Drive, Whiteville.

Peter Rabbit and his three sisters — Flopsy, Mopsy and Cotton-Tail — enjoy spending their days in Mr. McGregor’s vegetable garden. When one of McGregor’s relatives suddenly moves in, he’s less than thrilled to discover a family of rabbits in his new home. A battle of wills soon breaks out as the new owner hatches scheme after scheme to get rid of Peter — a resourceful rabbit who proves to be a worthy and wily opponent.

Please bring chairs or blankets. Concessions will be available starting at 7:00 p.m. and the movie will begin at dusk.

Please note that alcohol products and tobacco products are prohibited on the college campus. In the event of inclement weather, movies may be postponed or canceled. Please visit www.sccnc.edu or call 910-788-6416 for additional information. Updated information is also available on the SCC Student Government Association Facebook page.