Thanks to the members of the Troy University Animal Advocates and Sigma Chi Fraternity, shelter dogs will arrive all spiffed up for this year’s Fur Fest.

But, with the entertainment lineup the Pike Animal Shelter has planned for their annual fundraising event, they may not stay that way for long.

With rover races, pet contests and a mountain full of bones, there will be plenty for shelter and community dogs to enjoy.

They aren’t the only ones who can find enjoyment, though.

“This is the third year of the Pike Animal Shelter Fur Fest,” said chair of the founders society Donna Schubert. “We’ve focused on great entertainment for cats and dogs and guinea pigs. This year we wanted to add something for the community.”

So, Kristin Strickland, public relations coordinator, put herself to work looking for bands.

Surprisingly, it wasn’t much of a challenge.

“I was lucky when I started rounding up bands, the responses and willingness were fast,” Strickland said.

Local entertainers were quick to volunteer their time and talent to the shelter’s event.

The Johnny Barron Band, The Park Band, Erica Franklin and J. Harvey Johnson, all local legends, will be the featured players at this year’s event.

“All four will be performing live on stage,” Schubert said. “I don’t know where else you can go and see four live bands for $3 or $5 a car.”

The Johnny Barron Band is a popular local band that plays pop, country, blues and Motown music.

The Park Bank, a fairly new band, came together for the first time in the summer of 2008.

Their sound is a delivery of southern rock with a little jam blues in between, playing songs from The Beatles, Journey, Tom Petty and Led Zepplin, just to name a few.

Erica Franklin is a native of Red Level, but she resides in Troy and plays throughout the wiregrass. Musical influences are Led Zepplin, Allman Brothers, Lynrd Skynrd, The Rolling Stones, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jimi Hendrix and more.

J. Harvey Johnson is also new to the music scene, mixing folk, acoustic, a little comedy and occasionally an urban beat on the stage.

Fur Fest, which will be held at the Troy Parks and Recreation Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., will have these artists playing on two stages throughout the day.

“I think it’s great. We have such a variety in our group,” said Su Green, adoptions and programs chair. “There will be music for the young, the old, and there will be different genres. They’ll also play on request.”

This is the first time Fur Fest has had live music.

“It’s a great atmosphere, and music is a great way to contribute to it,” Schubert said. Green said even those who might not want to come out and adopt are welcome to just come for the entertainment.

“That’s the best bargain in town,” Schubert said.