On the first Sunday in October each year you will find more than 100 four-leg animals attending service on the campus of an Episcopal Church in Ooltewah. The Annual Blessing of Animals at St. Francis of Assisi, 7555 Ooltewah-Georgetown Road in Ooltewah, will be held from 1:30-4 p.m. It’s a tradition the church has held for several years with all of the activities being animal related.
The day begins with pet registration, where all of the four-legged attendees get a goodie bag including a St. Francis medal for their collars. The church’s carillon signals the beginning of the pet parade, where pets and their families make their way to the worship site in the woods for the blessing. Afterward, pets can receive individual blessings.
The church offers the four-legged attendees a chance to have their photo taken with their family; or the pets and their families can visit the various booths set up on site, with all animal related offerings. Other activities during the day include a children’s craft area, a petting zoo and pony rides and free hot dogs and popcorn. All activities are free and open to the community.