The Blessing of the Animals event is hosted each year by Arlington Community Church United Church of Christ as a feature of the Kensington Community Council’s annual picnic. It’s held on the south end of the lawn outside the Recreation Building (and in case of rain, like last year, we’ll be under the Recreation Building’s awning.) 

This year’s Blessing of the Animals will feature a pet parade with Halloween costumes encouraged! Even if you don’t have a pet of your own, or aren’t able to bring them, you can come to see your four-legged neighbors (and perhaps some scaly or feathered neighbors as well!) dressed in their Halloween best! 

The pet parade will begin around 12:15, with each pet parent/family getting an opportunity to introduce and share something about their pet. After all the pets are introduced, Rev. Jen Chapman, pastor of Arlington Community Church, will offer a communal blessing. Those who would like an individual blessing of their pet (including those who can’t bring their pet but would like to bring a photo or item that belongs to the pet to be blessed), will have an opportunity to do that as well.

To add to the Halloween-themed fun, we’ll have a paw print pumpkin painting activity. Bring your own pumpkin, or get one there for a small donation (just to cover the cost). Volunteers from Arlington Community Church will help you decorate a pumpkin with your pet’s paw prints! 

All animals are welcome! Please keep pets on a leash or in a carrier. And if your pet has a costume, we would love to see it!