In brief: Pet blessing, garden event and more in Ross, West View

Pet blessing

Hiland Northmont and Wexford Presbyterian churches will hold a pet blessing from 2-4 p.m. July 29 at Hiland Presbyterian Church, 845 Perry Highway in Ross. Pets must be up to date on vaccinations and leashed or crated. For more information, call 412-364-9000.

Amusement park discounts available

Discounted tickets to Idlewild and Soak Zone, Kennywood, Sandcastle and Waldameer Park & Water World are available at the Ross Community Center reception desk from 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. To confirm that tickets are still available, call Jackie at 412-931-7055.

Garden in the Park

Join the Allegheny County Master Gardeners for a free celebration of all things gardening from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. July 29 at the North Park demonstration gardens, located at the corner of Babcock Boulevard and Ingomar Road. The event will include kids’ activities, garlic tasting, speakers, the opportunity to get answers to gardening questions, garden tours and more. Gardening and environmental groups from the community will also be on-site to talk about what they do.

St. Barnabas 5K

St. Barnabas Charities will host the 32nd Annual Free Care 5K presented by Paracca Interiors Flooring America on Aug. 5. The race will begin at 9 a.m. at the St. Barnabas Gibsonia campus on Meridian Road. Proceeds support the St. Barnabas Free Care Fund, which affords $6 million in care to patients and residents every year.

Competitive and amateur runners, joggers, walkers, teams, stroller pushers and wheelchair racers of all ages will enjoy a rolling 3.1-mile out-and-back course. Please no pets, smoking or inline skates. The Free Care 5K also features ChampionChip Timing, elite runners #1-200, start line corral, USA Track & Field certification, as well as medals awarded for all ages.

A post-race party will be held after the race featuring raffle prizes, food and the awards ceremony.

Registration is $30 per person before Aug. 5 and $35 per person on race day.

To register, visit FreeCare5K.com or call 724-625-3770. Volunteer opportunities are also available.