S.A.V.E. Fest set for Oct. 10

S.A.V.E. Fest, an event to publicize and raise funds for the victims of domestic violence, is set for Saturday, Oct. 10 at the Cannon County Fairgrounds Pavilion.
"We have lots of great food, many auction items and fun events planned for what's going to be a wonderful day," said Lisa Baird, S.A.V.E. coordinator.
The event, which will run from noon to 6 p.m., will feature a fun and unique activity called "Cow Patty Bingo" and games including a "bounce house." A corn hole tournament is planned along with free blood pressure checks and a visit from Woodbury's biggest and brightest fire engine.
"It's gonna be fun," Baird predicted, but the event also has its serious side.
"We will have a booth dealing with domestic violence. We want to educate people about how to stay safe," she said.
"It's gonna be a little different this year. We will, of course, have live music, but we will also have a self-defense class as well as gun-safety training," Baird said.
In past years, S.A.V.E. Fest has been held on Woodbury's Square but "Cow Patty Bingo" made a move to the fairgrounds necessary.
This version of bingo is a little different with a big board with 250 squares available. Each square is a tax-deductible $50 with $10 of ever square sold going to the winner of this event. The prize carries the potential of $2,500 in cash.
The square that "receives" the first fresh cow patty wins.
While SAVE Fest offers fun, music and food, there is a serious side to the organization.
SAVE is a non-profit organization committed to stopping the cycle of domestic violence in Cannon County.
"We believe all residents of our county, regardless of race, gender, class or religion deserves to be treated with care and dignity," Baird said. "We strive to eliminate the barriers victims confront in seeking services for domestic violence and work to assist victims in taking back their lives."
SAVE works with the elderly, women, children and some men, she said.
"Domestic violence is a serious problem in Cannon County and we just want to educate the public," Baird said. "One in three women will be victims of some form of domestic violence within their lifetimes.
This year's S.A.V.E. Fest has an added importance. Its proceeds will help fund operations of the S.A.V.E. Domestic Violence Shelter.
Operations of the shelter are expensive, Baird said. The electric bill, alone, often amounts to $800 a month.
"But we are blessed. God and the people of Cannon County help us meet our needs," Baird said.
For more information call 615-563-6690.