The Northern Oklahoma Humane Society and Northern Oklahoma Regional Animal Care have come together for an event at Lake Ponca Park to celebrate Ponca City becoming a no-kill community by 2025.

Earlier this year, the Ponca City Board of Commissioners approved a resolution to establish a goal for the Northern Oklahoma Regional Animal Care facility to become a “nokill” operation by Dec. 31, 2025. No-kill means that all heathy, treatable and manageable dogs and cats are saved and euthanasia is used only when animals are dangerous or suffering with untreatable illnesses/ injuries.

In celebration of this goal, the Pestival 2021 fundraiser will be held on Saturday, Sept. 18 at the Lake Ponca Park Pavilion #5 with beer, food, a pet parade, car parade and an adoption event. All proceeds will supplement medical care, foster care, as well as spaying and neutering.

Events for the day include:

- A Rescue Run that starts at 9 am near the boat ramp at Lake Ponca Park.

- The Drive Fur Animals car parade at 10 am at Heather Cannon Honda on 3415 N. 14th Street. This event is sponsored by Heather Cannon Honda and the most unique or dressed up car will win a free oil change. Donations of $50 are requested, but not required to participate in the parade.

- Parade of Paws pet parade starts at 10 am near Pavilion #5. To participate, bring a donation item or purchase one from the local PetSense store.

Vendors at the event will include The Doodle Academy, Stillwater SpaceWalk, Just for Kids, face painters, and the Air Evac team Flight for Life helicopter.

Sept. 18 is also Puppy Mill Awareness Day and Dog Ownership Day.