Saratoga News
News
Pets to strut and slither on big basin way in pet parade
By Shannon Burkey
Everyone loves a good parade. But a parade where your beloved pet is the star is even better.
Whether your pet is a dog or cat or something a little more exotic, the Saratoga Village Development Council hopes pet lovers of all kinds will come to its second annual pet parade on May 19 from 10 a.m. to noon in the Village.
"This is a great opportunity for people to come out and celebrate their pet, their Village and being a part of the Saratoga community," chairwoman Jill Hunter said.
Despite a heat wave that brought temperatures up to 112 degrees, according to Hunter, last year's event was quite successful. Fifty dogs, a few cats, a parrot and one snake showed up to strut or slither their stuff up and down Big Basin Way in hopes of taking home a prize.
"It was the hottest day I've ever seen in in my life, but people still came out and had a good time," Hunter said. "It was such a wonderful event, and people have been requesting we do it again."
In addition to the parade, pet owners may enter their pets in a contest with five different categories: owner/pet lookalike; best dressed; funniest; best behaved/most well-trained; and best personality/most spunk. Winners will be awarded prizes from business such as Lupretta's Delicatessen and Skin Prophecy Boutique in the Village.
A variety of businesses and restaurants will also join in the festivities by becoming pet-friendly during the day's event.
Home base for the event, will be set up in front of the Echo Shop, 14477 Big Basin Way, and entrants are asked to check in there before the judging begins at 10:30 a.m.
At the conclusion of the judging, a parade of all animals and their owners, led by Biscuit the Clown, will go up one side of Big Basin Way and down the other.
And if a pet is not a part of your family, there's no reason to worry or feel left out.
"We really want to get everyone involved so if children don't have a pet, they can bring a stuffed animal and be in the parade," Hunter said.
