The Edgecomb Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, invites pet owners, animal lovers, and furry, feathered, or other friends to the annual Blessing of Animals, costume parade and best costume competition to be held on Sunday, Oct. 5 beginning at 1 p.m.

We invite you to dress your pet in their favorite costume and bring them to Edgecomb Congregational Church so we can celebrate together. This is a wonderful opportunity to honor our pets that give us so much joy in life.

The Blessing of Animals originated in the 13th century in remembrance of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals and the environment, who believed that all animals should be treated with dignity and respect. Francis, whose feast day is Oct. 4, wrote a “Canticle of the Creatures,” an ode to God’s living things: “All praise to you, O Lord, for all these brother and sister creatures.” Similar ceremonies are held across the country each October.

The activities at Edgecomb will begin at the front of the church at 1 p.m. with a costume parade that will meander along Cross Point Road to Edgecomb Green, one of the homes of the ElderCare network of Lincoln Country, and then return to the church. During the parade members of the Edgecomb Fire Department will judge the pets for best costume and announce the winner.

After the parade individual blessings and a certificate of blessing will be given to each pet (including stuffed animals) at the front of the church. Please have your pet on a leash or in a cage.

Come join us in the celebration and fun! This rain or shine event is free and open to the public. Don’t forget a camera to record the event.

Edgecomb Congregational Church, UCC is located at 15 Cross Point Road, Edgecomb. For further information, call the church office at 207-882-4060.