Foothills Humane Society will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the construction of its shelter on Saturday, November 6. Festivities include the dedication of new facilities for cats and dogs. Events are planned for the whole family and everyone is invited, including pets.

The celebration starts at 11 a.m. at the shelter at 989 Little Mountain Road in Columbus. Following a brief dedication ceremony for the new dog and cat facilities, there will be games, demonstrations, tours, face painting and pony rides for the kids. Food will be served, and door prizes given out throughout the day.

From 12 to 2 p.m. Santa himself will sit for photos with your furry friends, taken by professional photographer Shelley Dayton. And of course, Champ, the Foothills Humane Societys official spokesdog, will be on hand to greet the public.

The celebration will continue at 5 p.m. at the Tryon Fine Arts Center featuring the PoKitties Photo Contest exhibit, judged by Angel Mitchell, Erik Olsen, and Donna Raines. Recognitions and the much-anticipated photo contest awards will be hosted by noted toastmaster J. Randall Grobe, with a reception following the ceremonies.

Foothills Humane Society is a N.C. not-for profit 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization caring for stray, abandoned and abused companion animals, promoting responsible pet ownership incuding population control and preventing animal abuse in Polk County, N.C., and northern Spartanburg and Greenville counties in upstate South Carolina. For more information, contact www.foothillshumanesociety.org., foothillsshelter@windstream.net or 828-863-4444.