Refuge operators celebrate dual anniversaries

FAYETTEVILLE — A couple of anniversaries were celebrated Friday night (April 20) at the Artful Tigers Auction, one of several events scheduled through May 8 to mark the 20th year of the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Eureka Springs.

While buzzing around Matt Miller Studio, making sure the refuge fundraiser was going as planned and that guests were having a good time, Turpentine Creek operators Tanya and Scott Smith cut an occasional romantic glance at each other — Friday was also the couple’s 17th wedding anniversary.

The party at Miller’s studio, organized by Turpentine Creek  board member Randy Risor and local musician Tiffany Christopher, included an extensive silent auction of art, as well live music throughout the four-hour event.

Turpentine Creek is a sanctuary providing a lifetime refuge for abandoned, abused, and neglected big cats and other exotic animals. Money raised during Friday’s affair will go to developing additional open habitats, where animals have more space to flourish.

Anniversary activities for the refuge continue Monday (April 23), which is the date Turpentine Creek was incorporated in 1992. A complete list of festivities can be found here.