(TRENTON, NJ) -- People and pets of all ages are invited for Pause 4 Paws, a free day of pet-friendly activities and family fun on the grounds of the Trenton City Museum in Cadwalader Park Saturday, October 2. Attendees won’t want to miss the non-denominational “Blessing of the Pets” at 11:00am followed by a day filled with activities, vendors, and special guests.

Admission to Pause 4 Paws is free. Please register in advance online. Upon arrival, have proof of rabies vaccination for any pets in attendance and leash and/or carrier for your pet(s). The event is partially funded through grant support from the Trenton Arts Fund of the Princeton Area Community Foundation.

• Special-rate Pet Museum Memberships, with “Wag” Bags going to the first 50 to join

• Master of Ceremonies will be Bernard McMullan of the Capital Philharmonic of NJ

• Blessing of the pets (including stuffed animals) will be by The Very Rev. Dennis A. Apoldite of Sacred Heart Church of Trenton

• Pet Adoptions with Trenton Animals Rock, Trenton Cat Rescue, and more

• Kayla’s Pretty Paws pet grooming

• Hounds of Heck agility training

• Kids’ pet drawing contest and display

• Pet portraits and art display

• Balloon animals

• Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge

• Classics Books of Trenton

• Food and refreshments including Philly Pretzel Factory for everyone and River Horse Brewing Co. for the grown-ups

• Tips, talks, and services for pet health and safety

• Honorary Chair: Mayor Reed Gusciora

Organizer Joan Perkes, President of the Trenton Museum Society, says, “We are thrilled to work with fellow community groups to offer this outdoor event in beautiful Cadwalader Park. We anticipate an amazing day of fun and learning in support of animals, art, and our shared community.”

The Trenton City Museum is housed in Ellarslie Mansion, an 1848 Italianate Villa in the heart of Trenton’s historic Cadwalader Park, which was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Current and rotating exhibits reveal and celebrate Trenton’s historic and cultural past, while art exhibitions showcase the finest in contemporary regional painting and sculpture.

The Trenton Museum Society, the organization that works with the City of Trenton to support the museum’s operations and programming, will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its founding in 2023. The Trenton City Museum’s hours are Fridays and Saturdays from 12 noon to 4:00pm and Sundays from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. The museum offers timed entry for visitors on its website. Masks are recommended for indoor visits. Ample parking is available adjacent to the museum, which is located in Trenton’s Cadwalader Park, entered from Parkside Ave. There is no admission charge to the museum, but donations in support of its mission and programs are appreciated. 

PHOTO: Dog agility training by Hounds of Heck, pet adoptions, and a kids' pet drawing contest are just a few of the activities planned for PAUSE 4 PAWS