WEST BAINBRIDGE – The Union Valley United Methodist Church (923 Route 17 near Route 206) presents the Second Annual “Harvest Soup Festival and Blessing of the Animals” on Saturday, Sept. 22. (Rain date is Sept. 23.) The event takes place between noon and 3 p.m. at the Union Valley Methodist Church. The event kick starts at noon with homemade soups and sweets, live music, pet photography, kids art and games. At 2 p.m. a flower garlanded mascot leads the pet parade with a brief ceremony and individual pet blessing. Take a bit of time with family and friends and share in this interdenominational celebration of all creatures, great and small. Earthworms to elephants are all welcome!
Delicious homemade soups and yummy baked goodies will be available to enjoy there or take home! Classic soups or regional gourmet specialties are a perfect addition to a fall afternoon. Local restaurants will also present their savory favorites! Homemade breads and toppings will be a perfect finish! Come hungry - leave happy!
You are invited to bring your restrained pet (be it furry, finned, scaled or feathered) or any farm animal. You don’t need a pet to enjoy this beautiful, time-honored event. Your own photos of pets that cannot attend can be displayed and blessed.
In addition to the blessings and great food, there will be musical entertainment that will add to the festivities. Non-profit animal organizations and pet adoption centers will be available to provide general information to the public. In addition, visitors are welcome to show off their pets in the exciting ‘Pet Trick Contest’ and ‘Pet Parade.’ Kids and adults can compete in the ‘Dog Bone Stacking Competition,’ create animal art, and see an exhibit of paintings done by elephants! For a wonderful memento, professional pet photographer, Donna Bass, will be on-site to capture your pet’s perfection and candid animal antics.
“Any glimpse into the life of an animal quickens our own and makes it so much the larger and better in every way.” – John Muir.
All around the world, animals have been blessed. As far back as the fourth century, people would ask the priest for fertility and health for their animals. Today, the Blessing of the Animals is held in grateful recognition of the tremendous services given to the human race by the animal kingdom. In California, a cow blanketed with flowers leads an elaborate procession, because it is the animal considered to provide the most to humanity; that certainly is true here in Upstate NY!
For more information or directions, call 967-8814.