The 24th annual Lights of Love, a fundraiser of the Humane Society of Rowan County, will be held Friday at City Park Lake.

The benefit has traditionally been held in May to coincide with National Be Kind to Animals Week, but the original date and rain dates were rained out last spring.

In recognition of the the Feast of St. Francis, often celebrated on Oct. 4, a Blessing of the Animals will begin at 6 p.m. beside the lake with the Rev. John Tucker of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church leading the service.

The public is invited to bring pets for a blessing. All animals must be securely leashed or confined in carriers and in their guardians’ control throughout the program. There is no charge for the Blessing of the Animals service.

Lights of Love is a display of luminaria around the lake in honor or in memory of people and animals. A donation of $3 is asked for each luminary with all proceeds going to the Humane Society of Rowan County for the care and rehabilitation of sick or injured stray and abandoned animals.

The lights will glow from dusk until 9:30 p.m.

To honor or memorialize a friend or loved one with a luminary, mail your request and donation postmarked no later than Tuesday to the Humane Society, PO Box 295, Salisbury, NC 28145 or email your request to hsrcnc1973@gmail.com by Thursday.

Requests may also be phone in to 704-636-5700.

Humane Society volunteers will be assisted by members of the East Rowan 4-H Club at Lights of Love.