Council approves two county airport events to benefit Baywater Animal Rescue

Dorchester County Council on Jan. 7 approved two event requests at the county airport that county staff and organizers said will raise funds for Baywater Animal Rescue and Dorchester County Dog Control.

The council approved a Wags, Wings and Wheels show scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, with a rain date of Aug. 16, running 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The airport director said the event will partner Greenwater Animal Rescue, the Chesapeake Classic Car Club and Carol’s Kitchen, and will combine that event with the airport’s Young Eagles Day. The airport director said the airport will play a supporting role while Baywater Animal Rescue will lead the animal-focused activities.

The council also approved a request from Carly Stockas, executive director of Baywater Animal Rescue, to host the second annual Run for Their Lives 5K on April 19, 2025, from roughly 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.; organizers said they will provide a certificate of insurance and coordinate with county departments for public safety.

Tom Viglio of Baywater described the organization as “the humane society of Dorchester County” and said Baywater’s save rate is 98.5% over the past nine years. “We are the leading no kill animal shelter on the Eastern Shore,” he said.

Council members asked about traffic control and coordination with the sheriff’s office; staff noted they had not yet confirmed full coordination with the sheriff’s office for the run but emphasized organizers would control signs and staffing. Both event motions were moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.

The council recorded the approvals as passed; no roll-call tallies were provided in the meeting transcript.