April 09, 2008 10:52 am
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By Adam Smith
The North Jefferson News
The Gardendale Arts Council invites residents to leash up their Lassies and take part in the first-ever “Pooch Parade” at the Magnolia Festival on April 19.
The event, sponsored by the Gardendale Arts Council, offers a way for area dog lovers and owners to show off their canine companions.
“I think it’s a great addition to the entertainment stage,” said Magnolia Festival organizer Kathleen Phillips. “I think it will bring people to the festival that might not otherwise come.”
Sharon Wade of the Gardendale Arts Council and co-chairman of the event said the arts council came up with the idea of the “Pooch Parade” as a means to enhance the festival and to shed light on the community’s pet friendliness.
“We have so many animal lovers in this area,” Wade said. “We also have so many animal clinics and pet facilities. This will really give them a way to feature some of their services.”
The parade route will follow the promenade in front of the Gardendale Civic Center, down to the senior center and then to the front of the entertainment stage.
In addition to the “Pooch Parade,” dog owners can also enter their pets into a multitude of categories, including best costume, best float, best trick, cutest dog, best team and cutest puppy.
The cost of pre-registering a dog is $10 for one category and $5 for each additional category. Registering on the day of the event will cost $15 and $5 for each additional category.
Organizers will also allow dog owners to be a part of the parade only for $5 or campaign for a cause for $25, allowing politicians or organizations to attach signage to their dogs.
Additionally, festival attendees can vote for their favorite pooch as part of a “People’s Choice” selection for $1 a vote. All proceeds from entry fees will benefit the arts council.
All dogs entered into judged categories will be automatically entered in the “Best Overall” Pooch King and Pooch Queen competition.
The king and queen will be crowned and prizes will be awarded for the winners of all judged categories, according to a press release. Winners will be adorned with a small pet crown.
Organizers are encouraging those who bring dogs to the festival to be sure the dogs are friendly, that shots are up-to-date and that owners keep dogs on a leash at all times. Owners are also asked to bring a waste bag to the parade.
Phillips encouraged residents to “Come to this festival with your best friend, even if it happens to be your dog.”
Entry forms for the “Pooch Parade” can be found at the Gardendale Civic Center, All Creatures Animal Hospital, Russell Building Supply, Stewart Animal Clinic, Doggie Palace, Family Pet Salon and Myra’s Pet Salon.
For more information about the Magnolia Festival and the parade, visit www.magnoliafestival.org.
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