—Guest Blogger: The Market Umbrella
To celebrate Richmond’s Grand Illumination on Dec. 2, let the Shockoe Design District and the Richmond SPCA illuminate your holidays with a very special holiday pet adoption.
Helping mark this season of giving, nine Shockoe Design District shops – Dransfield Jewelers, Fountain Bookstore, These Four Walls, Ten Thousand Villages, Best Life Photography, LaDifference, Gallery A and the Virginia Gallery – each will play holiday host during the Grand Illumination to a dog or cat in need of a new home, says Richmond SPCA Chief Operating Officer Tamsen Kingry, who says she’s excited that the event will give deserving pets an opportunity to find a forever family during the holidays.
“The holiday season is the perfect time to open your heart and home to an orphaned pet in need,” Kingry says. “We look forward to making the dreams of many precious animals and families come true on this special evening.”
All that’s needed to take a lucky kitten or puppy home that night is a valid picture ID and proof of address, along with a $95 adoption fee. Leash and collar or a pet carrier are also required, and will be available for purchase during the event.
In addition to playing holiday host to prospective pets, many Shockoe Design District shops will offer special holiday savings for shoppers, including LaDiff where two Grand Illumination sales benefiting FeedMore will help ensure a happy holiday for Central Virginia families in need. Shoppers are asked to bring cash or canned good donations to take advantage of special seasonal savings.
And for even more holiday cheer, caroling on the Turning Basin will warm the night. Holiday revelers will enjoy hot cocoa and coffee on the canal, and cookies, cocoa, coffee and piping hot cider in many of the Design District shops.
Also on hand for the night, the Richmond SPCA’s “Tail Wag’N” mobile adoption RV will park in Davenport Alley off 14th Street next to These Four Walls, loaded with canine and feline Christmas cheer.
All the fun and furry friends pave the way for the 6:50 p.m. arrival of the Varina High School marching band, fronted by none other than Santa Claus. Leading a march down Virginia Street, Santa trades in his usual reindeer-powered ride for a spin or two on the canal boats.
When: Friday, Dec. 2, 2011, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: The Shockoe Design District in historic Shockoe Slip, 14th and Virginia streets
What: Come sing holiday carols, met Santa Claus and adopt a great new friend from the Richmond SPCA
—photo courtesy of TravOC
