Among the holiday celebrations are several upcoming pet fundraisers for puppies and kitties to enjoy this year’s festive cheer.

The Mower County Humane Society will present a comedy night at the Paramount Theatre Nov. 23 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Hosted by local comedian Scott Oelkers, five southeast Minnesota stand-up comedians will perform in a benefit for the MCHS.

The benefit is the first time MCHS has tried out something like this before, according to MCHS volunteer Kelly Rush. The fundraiser originally started out as an idea between Mickie Ely, another MCHS volunteer, and Oelkers. Oelkers got the comedians together and, in return for performing free, the comedians will be taping their performances to use as demo tapes. Volunteers hope a comedy night will bring in a crowd.

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“I’m keeping my fingers crossed,” Ely said.

All proceeds will go to MCHS. The show is intended for adults and beer will be provided by B & J Bar and Grill. Tickets are $10 each and are available at the Paramount Theatre box office or online at www.paramounttheatre.org.

Cats off Broadway

Cats Off Broadway, the other animal shelter in town, will be holding a three-day fundraiser at the North Bridge Mall in Albert Lea Nov. 26-28. Featuring a bake sale, a craft sale and on-site cat adoptions, the fundraiser hopes to do even better than last year’s two day event.

“It was quite successful,” said Mary Draayer, the director of Cats Off Broadway. “We didn’t come home with one single cookie.”

This weekend’s fundraiser will have all sorts of cookies, pies and other treats as well as homemade Christmas craft items made by volunteers, according to Draayer. There will also be about six to eight cats on hand to be adopted on site. All of the cats have been spayed, neutered, vaccinated and wormed.

Draayer said the goal is to make $1,000 to help pay for shelter costs. Anyone interested in donating can contact Draayer at 507-434-9092 catsoffbroadway@gmail.com