Print Story Email Story Discuss Story (0)

Recommend ( 0 )

News-Sun photo by KATARA SIMMONS Monica Griffith holds her granddaughter Sabrina Griffith's hand, while Judy Spiegel announces Griffith and her little cupcake costume first place in the most original costume catergory Sunday afternoon during the Humane Soceity's Children's Halloween Festival in Sebring. To the right, Emily Lombardi, 5, earned first place for the scariest costume.

click any photo to view this story's photo gallery

Related Links

advertisement

published: Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Terror Trail below goal due to bad weather

By CHRISTOPHER TUFFLEY

christopher.tuffley@newssun.com

SEBRING -- Weather was more of a trick than a treat Oct. 5 and 6, raining out the opening weekend of the Humane Society of Highlands County's Terror Trail fundraiser.

Judy Spiegel, president of the society, said opening weekend typically draws in the most people. Because it was lost, this year's numbers are much lower than last, when 5,000 people bought a ticket to be scared in the dark.

While final dollar amounts are still being counted, about 3,500 people participated in the event this year. "It was below our goal," Spiegel said.

On the positive side, she added, 300 children attended the society's first Halloween event for those too young for the Terror Trails' sights.

Each child left with a big bag of candy, Spiegel said. She expects word of mouth to spread so that more children come next Halloween.

The sad news, Spiegel said, is that "the shelter is full. Not an empty cage is to be had. It's horrible. We're getting 10 or 12 calls a day from people looking to leave animals with us."

Spiegel said cash donations are always needed. But the shelter has two urgent needs -- kitty litter and canned cat and dog food. "We have older cats and dogs who have health issues," Spiegel said.

The Humane Society is at 7321 Haywood Taylor Blvd. Call 655-1522.