The Natchez-Adams County Humane Society is inviting all animal lovers to sit back, take a break and kick off summer next weekend on Lake St. John.

The humane society will host a Cajun fest fundraiser from 6 to 8 p.m., June 14 at the house of Buddy and Lynette Tanner.

The summer fundraiser is one that humane society members started last year and are excited to bring back for a second year.

“We had such a huge success with our fundraiser last year that we really wanted to make sure we were able to do it again this year,” member Susan Callon said. “Everybody is always asking us about the Tanners’ gorgeous house, so we reached out to them, and they were gracious enough to have us over.

“Buddy and Lynette are big animal lovers, so we were so pleased they agreed to help out the shelter by having the fundraiser at their amazing house.”

The Tanners’ Victorian house dates back to the 1880s and originally belonged to Buddy’s grandfather, Dr. George Clarke of St. Joseph.

Buddy and Lynette purchased the house in 2001 and spent nearly a year restoring and moving the house to their land on Lake St. John.

The house sits right on the curve of the lake and gives visitors what Lynette calls one of the best views of the water.

“You can really see both side of the river more here than anywhere else,” Lynette said from the back porch of the house. “It’s just so peaceful and quiet out here.”

Those attending the fundraiser can feast on fresh jambalaya prepared by Paul Melancon of Cajun Cookin’ restaurant in Natchez.

A live auction will be conducted at the fundraiser featuring a variety of items including a silver-plated tea set, animal toys, an assortment of plants, an LSU chair and dog paintings, among other items.

Local musician Sylvia Johns Ritchie will provide entertainment for the evening on a large piano near the entrance of the Tanners’ house.

A cash bar will also be available at the fundraiser.

A donation of $25 is requested for those attending the fundraiser. Additional donations will be accepted at the event. Casual attire is preferred, Callon said.

An elevator is also available for residents who might have trouble getting up the stairs to the house, Lynette said.

All proceeds from the event go directly to helping the humane society keep its doors open.

“The summer is one of the busier times at the shelter, so we want to make sure we’re able to raise enough funds to continue operating,” Callon said. “The shelter relies on fundraising events like this, so it’s a tremendous benefit for us and all the animals.”

Lynette said she was thrilled to open up her home for such a good cause.

“We’ve had horses, dogs, cats, you name it, and we just really love all animals,” she said. “We’ve always tried to support the humane society any way we could, so we were glad to be asked to host the fundraiser.”

The Tanners’ lake house is located at 4651 Louisiana 568 in Ferriday. To arrive at the house from Natchez, take a left at the Duck’s Nest restaurant at Lake St. John, drive .7 miles and the house will be on the right.

For more information about the humane society, visit natchezpetadoptions.org.