7th Annual Blessing of the Animals at Elks Lodge #449

Join the Winston-Salem Elks and Humane Solution for the 7th Annual Blessing of the Animals benefitting Humane Solution Spay-Neuter Program!

WHEN: Saturday October 4; 10:30 am - 2 pm

WHERE: Elks Lodge #449 2585 Griffith Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27103

Registration is $5 per animal for the blessing ceremony ONLY.

The blessing ceremony begins at 12:00 with Winston-Salem legend Mary Haglund officiating.

Join us for a heartwarming morning as we celebrate our beloved pets at the Blessing of the Animals ceremony! Registration is just $5 per pet for the ceremony, and all proceeds directly support the Humane Solution Spay-Neuter Program. Everyone is welcome, even if you don't participate in the ceremony.

Enjoy a fun-filled day featuring vendors, WSPD K9 demo, pet microchipping ($25), pet nail trims ($15), Camel City BBQ food truck, mimosa bar, live music from Warren, Bodle & Allen, and much more! All funds raised will benefit Humane Solution Spay-Neuter Program, which helps subsidize spay-neuter surgeries for low-income families in our area.

Each year, Humane Solution provides vouchers for over 1,800 pets and feral cats, easing the burden on our shelters and rescues. Your participation in this event is helping us work toward a future where the cycle of unwanted litters is broken, every pet has a loving home, and essential veterinary care is accessible to all, regardless of income.

Let’s come together, celebrate our furry companions, and make a difference!

Register Your Pet for the Ceremony

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Can't attend the Blessing of the Animals but still want to support Humane Solution? You can donate directly to the cause! Thank you for your support!

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We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Winston-Salem Elks for graciously hosting this event at their lodge and donating all proceeds to Humane Solution. Their support helps make a significant difference in the lives of animals in our community, and we are truly grateful for their partnership. Thank you for your kindness and commitment to helping pets in need!

If you would like more information about The Elks and all the ways they support the community, click the button to visit their website.

The 7th Annual Blessing of the Animals will be officiated by Winston-Salem legend, Mary Haglund. Known as much for her welcoming and warm demeanor as her mile-high biscuits, Mary has owned and operated two Winston-Salem institutions: Mary's of Course Cafe and Mary's Gourmet Diner. A lifelong supporter of both animals and humans in need, we are thrilled to welcome Mary as the officiant of the blessing ceremony.

Mary Haglund (photo via Facebook)

Meet The Vendors

Grandma's Bandanas

Calling all stylish pets! Grandma's Bandanas offers handmade pet bandanas that are perfect for dressing up your furry friends for holidays and every day. Each bandana is lovingly crafted by Annette Pirone.

Stacy Wagner Photography

A family portrait isn't complete without every member of the family! Get a beautiful pet portrait from photographer Stacy Wagner to commemorate your pet's blessing. For just $25 you will get a 15-minute session and three digital prints. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Humane Solution Spay-Neuter Program. Leashed dogs are welcome!

Camel City BBQ Factory

All that blessing got you feeling hungry? Camel City BBQ Factory will be on hand to satisfy that hunger! From brisket to pulled pork, and their famous mac-n-cheese, they have you covered (or sauced).

Warren, Bodle & Allen

Get ready for a sensational performance as we welcome local favorites, Warren, Bodle & Allen. These bluegrass and folk masters elevate any experience with their signature acoustic sound. It's the perfect soundtrack to a sunny afternoon of blessings!

They were Americana before Americana was a thing. And they've been harmony heroes of mine longer than any of us care to remember. They are Greensboro acoustic legends Warren Bodle & Allen... perfect pickin', hair-raisin' harmonies and specialized song selection are their calling cards. You'll need to be there... ” - Ogi Overman

Blessing of the Animals - 2025 Flyer (1)

Schedule

10:30 am

  • Gates open
  • Vendor Fair Opens
  • Mimosa Bar Opens

11:00 am

  • Day-of registration for the blessing opens
  • Warren, Bodle & Allen begin playing

12:00 pm

  • Blessing of the Animals Ceremony
  • WSPD K9 Demonstration to follow

2:00 pm

  • Event Ends