Grace Lutheran Church of Oak Ridge will celebrate its 18th Annual Pet Fest and Blessing on Saturday, October 5.
“This year’s event will provide a chance to spend an enjoyable afternoon with your pet while you gather important information about the services and associations available to pets and their owners,” a press release said.
The Blessing of the Animals will be held in the pavilion behind the church at 4 p.m. The church will also hold a bake sale, rummage sale, and silent auction to raise funds for all the participating rescue groups. Boy Scouts and other volunteers will walk your pet while you shop, the press release said.
A new feature, an online auction, went live on September 12 and will conclude on Thursday, October 3. Go to Grace Pet Fest on Facebook, click on Events on the left side of the page, and click on Grace Pet Fest Online Auction. Click on Discussion to see the available items. To enter a bid, use the Comment feature, the press release said.
Pet Fest activities on Saturday will take place from 1-5 p.m. Parking will be available for the mobility-impaired at the church and for the general public in the Woodland Elementary School parking lot behind the church.
“If you’ve been looking for a new pet, you will meet representatives from numerous pet adoption agencies, some of whom will bring animals that are available for fostering or adoption,” the press release said.
For a $20 donation, you may have your pet implanted with a microchip, courtesy of Dr. Paul Szluha of McArthur Animal Hospital. Proceeds from this procedure, above the costs, will be donated to the Heifer Project. For a $10 donation, you may have your pet vaccinated for rabies, with the proceeds going to animal rescue groups, the release said.
All pets should be well-behaved and must be on leashes or in carriers. You can have a free picture taken with your pet, the press release said, and participate in special door prize drawings and activities for children, including pet-related crafts.
“Watch interesting demonstrations; become an art enthusiast by viewing the Woodland Elementary School pet art contest and voting for your favorite entry,” the release said. “The children have made pictures of adoptable rescue animals! Purchase tasty food and refreshments. You may even win a door prize! Throughout the afternoon, Shelter Road will provide great live music for your enjoyment. The highlight of the day will be the blessing of the pets at 4 p.m. All pets will receive an individual blessing, a medallion, and a certificate. This is a very special ceremony and even the pets seem to appreciate it.”
Grace Lutheran Church is located at 131 West Gettysburg Avenue in Oak Ridge. It has a long history of serving the community, the release said. It is a founding member of CONTACT Care Line and the Ecumenical Storehouse, offers a weekly Food Pantry on Friday mornings, and offers free classes in English for Speakers of Other Languages several days a week. It also offers free classes in Spanish, French, and Russian taught by native speakers and open to anyone in the community. It provides a Little Free Library for community use and offers an annual Flower Festival for the community’s enjoyment, the press release said.
For more information about Grace’s Pet Fest and Blessing, call (865) 483-3787 or check online at http://www.gracepetfest.org/.
“Everyone is welcome to join the fun!” the press release said.
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