Goat charity event to arrive in Dripping Springs

DRIPPING SPRINGS — Milena Christopher was visiting San Francisco when she saw it: an event titled, “Goat to My Valentine.” The event, filled with goats, mayors, police officers and more, was a parade across Union Square that attracted many. Her first thought? “I need to take this to Texas.”

Contributed Photo
This goat turns heads in its custom sweater and sunglasses duo to prepare for Goat Couture on Sept. 9 at Dripping Springs Ranch Park.[/caption]

Christopher is the founding attorney for the Law Office of Milena Christopher Charities and the founder of Goat Couture. Goat Couture is a charity event that will raise funds for the seven FFA chapters in Hays and Blanco counties while bringing fun and fashion to the festival, according to a news release.

The event, which will be held at Dripping Springs Ranch Park, located at 1042 Event Center Drive, was organized by Brea Black, marketing director, and will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 9. Black has a history in marketing and event coordination, so she felt confident taking on the task, though she credits Christopher for the overall outcome.

“We’re hoping that this will be the fall event that everybody looks forward to,” said Black. “This was all [Christopher]; this was her vision.”

The event’s main component is a costume contest where individuals will dress up their goats according to a theme and walk down a red carpet. There are eight categories: cowboy/cowgirl, first responders, goats as other animals, goats from around the world, painted goats, pajama party, prince/princess and west of weird.

“We also have a special category, which is going to start this event, called hometown heroes,” said Black. “We have three mayors from around Hays and Blanco County [that are] already confirmed to participate. We’ve got constables, chiefs of police, firefighters, deputies that are going to dress up the goats.”

Anyone can sign up for the costume contest at bit.ly/3OZ7zXu until Sept. 1 and there will be goats available to dress up if they are unable to provide their own. The three judges will be judging the goats based on originality and theme accuracy to award first, second and third place in each category.

Other activities include live music by Jillian Hudson, vendors, face painting, crafts and games.

“It's really going to be a festival-type environment and it is for anybody to participate,” emphasized Black.

As for the future, Christopher and Black hope to make the saying, “Everything’s bigger in Texas,” proud.

“I hope every year, it’ll get bigger and better,” said Black. “We’ll see how this one goes and grow from it … The plan is that every year, a different local charity will [receive] benefits.”

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