Cathedral Carnival for Kids and Farewell to Their Peacock Friends, Phil, Harry and Jim

Saturday, January 21, 2023
12:00 – 4:00 pm

The Cathedral, ACT, and The Cathedral School invite you to a Cathedral Carnival for Kids and Farewell to their Feathered Friends Harry, Jim and Phil on January 21 from 12 – 4 pm. Join them for a full afternoon of art workshops, face painting, storytelling, costume contests and much more!

The following comes courtesy of their newsletter:

The wind beneath our wings

The Cathedral grounds are notable for many things. When the weather’s right, visitors stretch out upon our verdant lawns and stroll our gardens, taking in the symbolic design, abundant outdoor art, and myriad plants and flowers on the Close. But perhaps nothing is as striking as the beauty and sheer physical presence of our three peacocks, Phil, Harry, and Jim, who have been residents here since they hatched in 2002.

Their amazing plumage and clarion calls (and peacocks in the spring are not shy about sounding their trumpeting vocals) have delighted visitors, staff, and neighbors for more than twenty years, and the Cathedral is proud to have cared for them with the help of our extended community. Now, at over 21, Phil, Harry, and Jim have well surpassed the typical age of peacocks in the wild. Like many of us as we age, the Cathedral birds have dealt with health problems and issues that often attend older persons (whether human or avian). In the hope of ensuring continued safety and the best quality of life for the peacocks in their golden years, the Cathedral is partnering with Animal Nation, a non-profit, 100% volunteer-run wildlife, farm, and domestic animal rescue sanctuary in South Salem, NY, to give the trio a happy and healthy retirement in the country.

All are welcome to join the Cathedral to fête our three peacocks and learn more about the many programs on the Close next Saturday, January 21. Join us from 12 – 4 pm for a family-friendly afternoon carnival, followed by a peacock celebration at 4 pm. We’ll pay tribute to our feathered friends and look ahead to the promise of the days to come.

This transition is a bittersweet time: while we know Harry, Phil, and Jim will have a wonderful retirement at Animal Nation, we’ll miss their friendly presence here on the grounds. Thank you to everyone who’s helped us care for these special birds–we look forward to celebrating their legacy with you