Grand Bahama Island - On Sunday, October 12, 2008, from 3 – 8 p.m., the newly opened and completely restored Garden of the Groves, will host “God’s Creatures in the Garden”, in partnership with the Humane Society of Grand Bahama (HSGB), and sponsors Solomon’s, Cost Right, Love97
and Cool-96. This is a wonderful opportunity for families and individuals, along with their pets, to visit the beautiful garden, and enjoy a unique and entertaining experience.
“The Blessing of the Animals” is celebrated on the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. This is also now known as World Animal Day and people all over the world celebrate their pets and our wild furry, finned and feathered friends on this day. St. Francis wrote a Canticle of the Creatures, an ode to God’s living things. “All praise to you, Oh Lord, for all these brother and sister creatures.” Father Rudolph Cooper of St. Stephens Anglican Church will minister the blessing in the Garden of the Groves at 4:00 pm. The community is encouraged to bring their animals, on a leash, to receive this special and sacred blessing at the statue of St. Francis.
The Grand Bahama Port Authority has been committed to bring the Garden of the Groves back as a community centre and visitor attraction. Erika Gates and Michelle Hanson, who have worked hard over the past 10 months to restore the Garden, expressed their delight about the opportunity to reach out and partner with a community organization, such as the HSGB, to bring a level of awareness to both groups. The HSGB, the only animal welfare organization on Grand Bahama, established in 1968, recently opened their new Animal Welfare and Adoption Centre on Coral Road.
Ivy Elden, Treasurer and Board Member of the HSGB, has worked with Mrs. Gates and Julie Ryan of the Lofty Fig Café and many other supporters to organize a fun-filled day with something for everyone; adults, children and animals alike. Ms. Elden says, “With our big beautiful new shelter comes increased operating costs and we are very excited about this opportunity to not only raise funds for our animals, but to do so in such a beautiful natural setting”.
Activities will include live music, face painting, an obedience demonstration by Freeport’s own dog whisperer, Beth Hatfield; live entertainment at the labyrinth from the Lion King, a Scavenger Hunt, souvenir photos, raffle with great prizes, and much more. Pine Tree Stables will provide pony rides.
Great food - hamburger, steak or fish dinners will be available with the assistance of the Lofty Fig Cafe.
Tickets are available at the Humane Society on Coral Road (352-2477) and Garden of the Groves (374-7778). Admission charges are $10 (no meal), $15 (hamburger meal) or $25 (steak or fish). Please call 352-2477 or email info@hs-gb.org for more information or to reserve tickets.
