Shamrock Shuffle adds community cleanup, car show

Saturday, March 21, is turning into a day filled with activities for animal lovers, outdoor people, community volunteers and car lovers.

The day will start off with the Shamrock Shuffle followed by the Great American Cleanup and then a show by the new Pharoah’s Car Club.

The Shamrock Shuffle is being sponsored by the New Albany Main Street Association and Union County Humane Society to raise money for the society in providing homes for abandoned animals.

The event will also pay tribute to Callie Daniels Bryant who served as the humane society’s executive director who died recently as the result of an auto accident.

The group wants to honor her memory and the work she did to rescue, place, and raise funds for the medical treatment and care of hundreds of animals.

The event welcomes walkers, costumes, kids, strollers and well-behaved four-legged participants.

There will be an early bird sign-up by March 6 of $20 per shuffler. After March 6 the application fee will be $25 per shuffler. T-shirts are included. All profits will benefit Union County Humane Society.

The shuffle will begin at the trailhead plaza at 8 a.m. following 7:30 registration, head down the Tanglefoot Trail, loop around at the I-22 overpass, and head back for a finish line celebration with refreshments, fun and prizes at the Union County Library at about 8:30. There will be items for purchase to support the humane society as well.

“The walk is not meant to exhaust anyone. Just a fun way to celebrate our community and the work of the humane society,” said Main Street assistant Tracy Vainisi, “We know that there are many people out there who love animals and appreciate the work the humane society does so we are hoping for a great turnout.”

Interested pet parents, animal lovers, and community supporters are encouraged to pick up a sign-up form. They are available at the Main Street office, Union County Library, AC’s Coffee, Tallahatchie Nutrition, and online at newalbanymainstreet.com.  If you have questions, call the Main Street office, 662-534-3438, or email visitnewalbany@gmail.com.

Saturday will also be the day for an annual community improvement event.

The Great American Cleanup, in connection with Keep America Beautiful, will begin at 9 a.m. at the Union County Heritage Museum. Volunteer groups and individuals will pick up supplies and fan out to various parts of the city to pick up litter.

Those participating in the Shamrock Shuffle will be able to take part also, starting from the library and Tanglefoot Trail welcome center.

Volunteers will return to the museum for lunch at noon.

Finally, the Pharoahs Car Club will have a show in the lower library parking lot beginning at 1 p.m.

A chapter of the club was formed here this past year. Although Pharoahs (and Pharaohs) car clubs have existed throughout the country over the years, this version from the West Coast area refers to the basis of George Lucas’ “American Grafitti” club.

The Pharoahs plan to have a show at the library parking lot every third Saturday.