Saturday will see McKean County SPCA’s very first Barktoberfest, an event created to remind people that “adoption is always an option.”

Christine Taylor, executive director of the McKean County SPCA, has kept herself busy this year thinking of new and creative ways to get locals to come out and adopt a furry family member.

“Anytime we can think of a way to help needy animals find their forever home, or at least find comfort here in our facility, we jump at the chance,” Taylor said.

Back in July, Taylor met with board members after Woofstock, a similar event, to discuss the potential of creating more events later in the year.

After a few weeks of brainstorming, Taylor landed on “Barktoberfest,” and not just for the sake of the word play.

“Around this time, we get a lot of calls about strays,” Taylor said. “But we’re usually at, or close to capacity, so this is an effort to help quell that need.”

Barktoberfest will give locals the opportunity to meet with the animals at the SPCA, and potentially provide them with a “furever” home.

Taylor said she worries that a growing sentiment about visiting the SPCA is that it is “depressing to see homeless animals” and that people won’t want to visit because of it.

To that, Taylor said, “We want people to know that it isn’t a sad experience. Getting to love and nurture an animal is never a sad day.”

The event is free and open to the public and will take place from noon to 4 p.m. There will be games available to participate in for prizes and there will also be T-shirts available. There will be food available to purchase on site. Accompanying the event will be a car wash that will also benefit the McKean County SPCA.

Donations are being accepted in the form of supplies and toys for the animals.

If anyone would like to donate pet food, Taylor is asking that only Purina brand is donated to help keep the animals on a consistent diet. For more information how how to adopt or donate, contact the McKean County SPCA at (814) 362-8850.