Grace Lutheran Church in Oak Ridge has its 12th annual Pet Fest and Blessing from 1-5 p.m. Saturday. (Submitted photo)
Submitted
Grace Lutheran Church in Oak Ridge will have its 12th annual Pet Fest and Blessing from 1-5 p.m. Saturday. The church is located at 131 W. Gettysburg Ave., and parking will be available at the church or in the Woodland Elementary School parking lot behind the church. (Follow the pink puppy paw print signs!)
“Gather up your leashes or carriers and schedule a grooming for your pets to look their best,” a press release said. “Then bring them, one and all, to enjoy an afternoon of fun with you.”
Admission is free, and you can have a free picture taken with your pets too, the release said. If you come early, there will be a pet walk around the area at 12:30 p.m. If you’d like, you also can have your pet implanted with a microchip, courtesy of Dr. Paul Szluha of McArthur Animal Hospital, for a $20 fee. Proceeds from this, above the costs, will be donated to the Heifer Project.
You can also meet representatives from numerous pet adoption agencies. Some of them will bring animals that are available for fostering or adoption. Enter a pet contest, participate in games with prizes, and you could win a beautiful animal-themed stained glass art piece or a handmade pet bed in a free drawing, the press release said. Treat yourself to a hot dog and cold drink or other refreshments. Shop the rummage sale and purchase some delicious baked goods. Enjoy the Woodland Elementary School art contest and vote for your favorite entry.
Boy Scouts and other volunteers will “babysit” your pet(s) while you shop and vote. As a special treat this year, the Ridge City Ramblers will provide music for your enjoyment, from 1-3 p.m.
“The highlight of the day, of course, will be the pet blessing by Pastor Stephen Damos at 3 p.m.,” the release said. All proceeds from the Pet Fest and Blessing will be donated to the participating rescue groups.
A new addition to this special day is a 5K Run/Walk at Melton Lake at 8 a.m., for humans, not pets. Ribbons, T-shirts, and prizes will be awarded. To sign up or to get more information about the run/walk and the Pet Fest and Blessing, check online at www.graceoakridge.org, email prs4chsta@aol.com, or contact Grace Lutheran Church at (865) 483-3787.
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