The first Okmulgee Times & Henryetta Free-Lance Pet Calendar Contest benefited the Okmulgee County Humane Society in a big way. The contest was received with great participation and excitement by folks across the county.
“The Okmulgee Humane Society faces the same challenges as shelters and rescues across the state; more animals, fewer resources and rising costs,” Henryetta Free-Lance Manager Denise Frost said. “With this in mind, we wanted to do something to help out and create something fun for our readers and followers and benefit our local humane society. This desire is how the idea of a pet calendar contest was born. “Having the ideas was the easy part, locating a professional company to help host the online aspect and setting up the specifics was the time-consuming part, yet the outcome was well worth the effort.”
Readers were encouraged to enter their pets in this first annual pet calendar contest to raise money for the Okmulgee Humane Society. Participants could enter their pets online or in person by submitting a photo and paying an entry fee. Next, people were asked to submit votes at $1 each as a donation to the humane society. The voting proceeds were donated to the Okmulgee County Humane Society to help with animal care, food and vaccinations.
The 12 pet photos receiving the most votes are featured as the main pictures in a 2025 calendar. All pets that were entered have a special place in the calendar even if they were not in the top 12 placements, as the calendar has an honorable mention section to honor all of the entrants.
“There were a total of 45 pet entries in the contest. It was exciting to watch new entries coming in every day. We received entries of dogs, cats, horses, and birds and that was so much fun to watch,” Frost exclaimed.
The overall contest total was $5,178. The total included entry fees, vote donations, calendar preorders and calendar date reservations. After website hosting fees, administration fees and credit card payment fees were paid, the Okmulgee County Humane Society received $4,253.
“We want to thank all our entrants and everyone who voted during the contest. Without your participation, the donation to the humane society would not be possible,” Carrie Carberry of Cookson Hills Publishers said.
