Mission San Luis Announces 9th Annual Blessing of the Animals

Tallahassee, Florida –

Mission San Luis invites pet owners, animal lovers, and furry, feathered, or other friends to the ninth annual Blessing of Animals to be held on Saturday, October 5, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

"I invite all to take advantage of the many historical and cultural experiences offered at Mission San Luis," said Secretary of State Ken Detzner. "Come to the Mission and participate in the Blessing of the Animals to be a part of this entertaining and educational opportunity here in Florida. It is a great tradition you and your families will enjoy."

This event is free and open to the public. It will feature:

• Individual pet blessings and free certificates of each blessing. Don’t forget a camera to record the event.
• The North Florida Paso Fino Horse Association showcasing the Paso Fino breed’s unique history and abilities.
• Craft activities for children, including woodland animal mask-making.
• A parade and blessing of the Mission San Luis woodland animals.
• Representatives from various organizations exhibiting with information about their services. Some organizations may have pets available for adoption. (Big Bend Bird Club, Big Bend Disaster Animal Response Team (DART), Bruster’s Real Ice Cream, Cauzican Care Animal Rescue, Coco’s Treat Shop, CUE Center for Missing Persons, It’s Meow or Never for Ferals, North Florida Paso Fino Horse Association, Pets ad Litem, TMH Animal Therapy, and TREATS)
• Dog agility demonstration at 11:30 a.m. by Red Hills Bark Busters.
• Hands-on archery and living history.
• Vendors with food available for purchase.

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. Similar ceremonies are held across the country each October.

The Blessing of Animals allows exhibitors to showcase their services, pet owners to show off their beloved companions, and animals to socialize and be honored. The event is sponsored by the Friends of Mission San Luis, Inc, the Mission’s citizen support organization. Guests are encouraged to bring pet food donations for area animal shelters.  Animals must be on leashes or in carriers.

For more information please call 850.245.6406 or visit missionsanluis.org.

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About Mission San Luis
Mission San Luis, Florida’s Apalachee-Spanish Living History Museum, was the western capital of Spanish Florida from 1656 to 1704. Today the Mission, a national historic landmark, brings the early 1700s to life with living history interpreters in period dress, reconstructed period buildings, exhibits, and archaeological research. The site is managed by the Florida Department of State, Division of Historical Resources, Bureau of Archaeological Research, and support is provided by the Friends of Mission San Luis, Inc. Mission San Luis is located at 2100 West Tennessee Street in Tallahassee, Florida, and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information call 850.245.6406 or visit missionsanluis.org.