Area animal rescue organizations will be at PetSmart, in Aberdeen, Saturday, Dec. 19, and Sunday, Dec. 20, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to offer their most adoptable kittens, cats, dogs and puppies.

Animal Advocates of Moore County, The Haven-Friends for Life, Moore Humane and Sandhills Animal Rescue League will participate in this weekend-long adopt-a-thon.

"Stop by and visit the pets and meet the volunteers who are eager to tell you about the pets," says a spokesman. "Santa will also be at PetSmart for that last minute precious pose with your pet."

If you don't find that pet you are looking for after visiting the rescue groups at PetSmart, visit the Animal Center of Moore County at 5235 U.S. 15-501 S, Carthage (call (910) 947-2858 for holiday adoption times).

"If your pet is not yet spayed or neutered, the best holiday gift you can give them is an appointment at Spay and Neuter Clinic of the Sandhills in Vass by calling 692-FIXX (3499)," adds the spokesman.

Winter Concert

Moore Philharmonic Orchestra's winter concert and silent auction will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, at Carolina Hotel at Pinehurst Resort.

Proceeds from the silent auction will support a scholarship fund benefiting Moore County music students and will help cover operating and general expenses for the orchestra.

No tickets are required, but tax-deductible donations are welcome.

Visit www.mporchestra.com for more information.

Holiday Crafts and Goodies

The Union Pines Marching Band will hold a holiday craft fair and bake sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, at the Pinehurst Surgical Building, 5 FirstVillage Drive (across from the hospital).

The Union Pines High School Marching Viking Band has just been selected to represent the State of North Carolina in the 2010 National Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C.

"This invitation is a great honor since only a dozen or so bands throughout the entire United States are chosen to perform," says a spokesman. "We are inviting the community to share in this great honor by asking for community support through a variety of fundraising events."

Christmas Drama

Crossroads Community Church presents "The Gift," a Christmas drama, Dec. 18-20, at 7 p.m. nightly. The church is located at the Whispering Pines intersection of Niagara-Carthage and Vass-Carthage roads.

Admission is free, and food will be available at the fellowship hall Friday and Saturday nights from 5 to 7 p.m.

For more information or directions, call (910) 949-3971.