Several members of the public were locked up Saturday. But for a good cause.

Residents joined together Saturday at the Elizabethton Parks & Recreation Center for the inaugural Fall Festival sponsored by the Friends of the Elizabethton/Carter County Animal Shelter and the estate of Glenda Taylor DeLawder.

Due to the operation of the animal shelter, the facility can not solicit funds. But both organizations spent the day offering different activities to raise money for the animal shelter for the fall and winter months ahead.

Dallis Knight, sister of the late DeLawder and event organizer, said she was happy to see the excitement on the faces of attendees.

“Those that came out today really seemed to enjoy the event,” she said. “I just want to thank everyone and each of the organizations that helped make this day possible.”

Nearly a year ago, DeLawder left $1.2 million to benefit animals in the region with roughly $500,000 earmarked for work at the shelter, including an addition to the existing structure for the feline population, “catios” – an outdoor structure for cats, a van to transport animals for spay/neuter and adoption events, and dog runs to for the canine population to have suitable room outside to roam.

Since then, Knight has been on the forefront with different organizations to help the staff at the facility.

Even though the day was fun for all, it was a bit “different” for others. Throughout the four-hour event, different local leaders were “locked up” in a dog cage and were hoping to make “bail” – which would be donated to the facility.

Inmates during the day included Rep. John Holsclaw, Carter County School Board Chairman Rusty Barnett and County Commissioners Danny Ward, Kelly Collins and Mike Hill.

A push for community involvement at the shelter is underway. Since the creation of a new Animal Shelter Board, used to serve as oversight for the facility, the friends and board both have promoted the involvement of volunteers, rescues and fosters to be associated with the animals.

Residents wanting to get involved can attend the next Shelter Board meeting, set for Tuesday, Oct. 24, at 6 p.m. in City Hall.

As far as events are concerned, Knight added that a songfest is currently in the works to help the shelter.

“That’s being planned now,” she said. “We’re hoping to have something in place by mid-November.”

Individuals wanting to assist with different activities can contact Knight at (301) 991-0620.