Music fans and animal lovers of all ages are invited to take part in a unique day full of fun all in the name of helping to support the local animal shelter.

The Friends of the Elizabethton/Carter County Animal Shelter in partnership with the Tri-Cities Hillbilly ParrotHead Club are gearing up for their fourth installment of Parrots & Tails. Proceeds from the event will go to support the Elizabethton/Carter County Animal Shelter.

Parrots & Tails IV will take place on Sept. 29 with events beginning at 8 a.m. and carrying on over into the evening hours.

“If your paws can take it there will be fun from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.,” said John Bland, who is organizing the event.

The festivities will begin with Tails on the Tweetsie — a 2k dog walk on the Tweetsie Trail. The walk will commence at the Elizabethton Depot, located near Elizabethton High School across from Taco Bell on West Elk Avenue. Registration for the walk will begin at 8 a.m., and the walk will kick off at 9 a.m. With a $15 donation walkers will receive a day pass for the main event and automatic entry in the MUTTaritaville contest. The first 25 registrants will also receive a free commemorative T-shirt.

At 11 a.m. the fun moves to Covered Bridge Park for live music, food vendors, the MUTTaritaville Dog Parade and Talent Contest, and a variety of other activities.

“It’s a very family friendly and pet friendly event,” Bland said. “It’s all about having fun.”

Admission to the activities and concerts at the park is a donation of $15 with children under 12 admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

“This is the primary fundraising event for our local animal shelter and all donations are tax deductible,” Bland said. All checks should be made payable to “Friends of the ECCAS.”

Events at the park will begin with the Pet and Event Blessing at 11 a.m. immediately followed by MUTTaritaville.

The ParrotHeads are sponsoring the dog parade and MUTTaritaville contest. Trophys will be awarded to the dogs earning top marks in the following categories: Best Dressed, Best Owner Look Alike, Outstanding Dog, and Best Wiggle Butt.

Food vendors for the event include:

• Jiggy Ray’s – fresh hot pizza and ice cold beer

• Kona Ice – shaved ice

• Kelly Concessions – delicious funnel cakes

• Olive Oil Divine – a healthy choice for the body and soul

• Jolly Wally – ice cream and assorted treats

• Friends Group – hot dogs, soft drinks, water, nachos, and popcorn

The concert series will kick off at 11:30 a.m. with Jim Miller and his Appalachian Hammered Dulcimer.

Taking the stage at noon will be JB and the Heebinator (or as they are more widely known, John Bland and Steve Hebert).

At 1 p.m. acoustic duo Mark White and Scotty Melton will provide the entertainment.

H.B. Beverly, also known as the Tri-Cities’ Premier ParrotHead, will take the stage at 2 p.m.

The five-piece classic rock group Under The Table will perform at 3 p.m.

Half Moon Trench will bring a rock and roll electric mix to the stage at 4 p.m.

Master Beat Boxer Luke Broyles will perform at 4:50.

The featured act for the concert series this year is Acoustifried, who will take the stage at 5 p.m.

“These guys have been with us since day one,” Bland said. “They appeared in Parrots & Tails I and have been in every one since.”

Acoustifried boasts a style of pure country rock and roll, and they are scheduled to play until 6:30… ish.

Throughout the day other activities will take place in the park between the concerts. Bland said 10 cake walks will be held throughout the day. For a $5 donation participants can earn a chance to take away a delectable dessert donated by local churches and friends of the shelter.

Rosebud the Clown will be on hand from 1:30 until 3:30 p.m. with fun for the kids.

For more information about the event, contact John Bland at parrotsandtails4@gmail.com.