Page 14 - Sept 2023 Galveston Monthly

arOuNd The islaNd | eveNTs & exhibiTs
21ST AnnuAl PAwS GAlA SePTember 23

The Theme for This special fundraiser is “paWberry fields furever”
The Galveston island Humane Society (GiHS) will host its 21
st
Annual PAWS Gala on Saturday, September 23. The theme for
this year’s fundraiser is “PAWberry fields fuRever” and the
event will honor long-time GiHS volunteer Mary Ann Salch
Murphy. This fun gala will be held on the second floor of the
Galveston island Convention Center from 6.30pm-11pm.
Since 1999, GiHS has hosted twenty themed-galas to raise
money to build, and now maintain, their facility at 6814
Broadway. Contributions are used now to maintain this “home”
where lost, abused, unwanted, sick, and needy animals are
provided safe, temporary shelter, medical treatment, and
quality care - until these homeless animals can be adopted into
their “forever” home with a loving and caring family.
This year look forward to a “Beatles” theme with great music
provided by The Beetles… a Beatles Tribute Band. Attire is
“British Rags” and all the fun begins at 6.30pm with open bar,
seated dinner, and the opportunity to visit with each of the
“Elite Pet Owners” who are vying to be named “Elite Pet Owner
of the year,” along with their pet, as “Elite Pet.”
This year’s EPO’s are Galveston Police Chief Douglas Balli,
Mary Cooper, karen Gillespie, Charday vanOrstand, Sean
O’Donohoe, Catherine Stroud, and Laura Sukkar. The winning See Elite Pet Indie at the 21st annual PawS gala
EPO will be announced during the evening
Gala attendees may also enjoy trying their luck on a Tequila
Wall and taking a chance on winning great prizes throughout and Concetta Maceo Sims.
the evening, as well as bidding on silent and live auctions. for more information to become a sponsor, to purchase
Auction co-chairs are Cynthia Smith and Eileen Donlon. Event tickets, or to donate to GiHS, contact the shelter at
Co-chairs are Cynthia McEldowney-Parsons, Michelle Beckwith, 409.740.1919, or visit www.galvestonhumane.org/events.

GAlveSTon ISlAnd ShrImP FeSTIvAl SePTember 22-23

annual evenT Will be held ThroughouT The hisToric sTrand disTricT
Galveston island is a seafood lover’s paradise all year round, but this month
yaga’s Entertainment inc. will bring foodies a little taste of heaven at the 14
th
annual Galveston island Shrimp festival to be held September 22-23. This
event is a celebration of Galveston’s great wild seafood and island lifestyle.
Commencing in Saengerfest Park on friday, September 22 at 7:30pm, yaga’s
Entertainment, inc. will host a kick-Off Party with a Texas-sized fried shrimp
dinner to over 800 guests complete with free-flowing beverages and live
entertainment. Tickets are available for purchase online at $65 a ticket.
On Saturday, the fun begins at 9am with the official Shrimp Scamper 5k fun
Run/Walk. All fitness levels and ages are invited to join. The Shrimp Gumbo
Cook-Off, boat show, vendor exhibits, and live music will be held in Historic
Strand District on September 23 beginning at 10am.
Gumbo sampling cups can be purchased online in advance for $13. This cup
will allow guests to sample gumbo from over 50 cook-off teams. visitors to the
festival will be able to purchase cups the day of while supplies last.
festival attendees are also able to purchase shrimp dinner plate tickets at
$20, which includes fried shrimp, a cup of shrimp gumbo, and a cold beer or
bottled water. Professional teams will also be selling various dishes.
Other events on Saturday include the Lil’ Shrimps Parade at 3pm and The
Strand Merchant Walkabout takes place from 12-4pm. Courtesy images
for tickets and more details visit www.galvestonislandshrimpfestival.com. GM

14 | GALVESTON MONTHLY | SEPTEMBER 2023