New York, NY 10025
USA
The Cathedral of St. John the Divine to Celebrate New York City Animal Lovers and their Pets at the
Saint Francis Day Fair
Sunday, October 6, 2019
Outdoor Fair to Feature Pet Blessings and Animal Costume Parade
12:30 – 3:30 pm : Outdoor Fair with Pet Blessings
2:00 – 2:30 pm : Great Animal Costume Parade
Cathedral of St. John the Divine
1047 Amsterdam Avenue (at 112th Street)
The traditional St. Francis Day service and animal procession will not take place (further details below).
The Cathedral of St. John the Divine celebrates the beauty of New York City’s local animal kingdom with an outdoor festival at the St. Francis Day Fair on Sunday, October 6th from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, located at 1047 Amsterdam Avenue (at 112th Street) in Manhattan. A variety of local animal lovers and their pets are expected to celebrate on the lush grounds of the world’s largest Gothic cathedral.
Artist in Residence Ralph Lee and the Mettawee River Theatre Company will enliven the day with their magical animal costumes, joyous music and family-friendly dance. At 2 p.m., the Great Animal Costume Parade will commence and guests will be invited to circle the Cathedral grounds while showcasing their animal masquerade looks to the community, culminating in a ceremony awarding prizes and celebrating Best In Show.
The day is a celebration of the life of Saint Francis of Assisi and his advocacy for harmony between human beings and the natural world. All people and pets are encouraged to dress as their favorite animal in honor of Saint Francis. Guests are welcome to enjoy the outdoor fair with pet blessings, activities, refreshments and performances.
The traditional St. Francis Day service and animal procession will not take place. Due to a fire in the crypt on Palm Sunday, the Cathedral is in the midst of an extensive cleaning and conservation project that limits access to many areas of the building. The service and procession is anticipated to return to the Cathedral in 2020, following this necessary period of limited access.
