Cute corgi
From Great Danes to chihuahuas, the dogs definitely had their day in downtown Knoxville on Saturday. The third annual Mardi Growl parade and festival – a fund-raiser for Young-Williams Animal Center – attracted more than 300 canines and their humans. And one cat.
Although one wag described the event as “The Watch Where You Step Festival,” to me this year’s pet owners appeared to show a lot more responsibility for picking up after their charges than those have in years past.
The parade started at PetSafe Downtown Dog Park, proceeded south on Gay Street in front of a viewing stand and ended up at Market Square where vendors selling all things dog-related were set up. The Old City Buskers performed on the stage for tips as the parade participants and hangers on (like me!) milled around.
Fittingly, the parade had a human and a canine grand marshal: Erin Donovan from WBIR-TV, Channel 10 and Charlie, a St. Bernard mix who was rescued by the Young-Williams Animal Center and is up for adoption. Just what does a grand marshal do? “I don’t really know,” Donovan said with a shrug after the parade ended. “No one ever tells you!” She must have done all right: I didn’t hear any complaints.
Presenting sponsors were PetSafe Village and Invisible Fence Brand. The event was produced by the city of Knoxville and Young-Williams. Other sponsors included Enrichment Federal Credit Union, WBIR-TV, the Knoxville News Sentinel and B97.5, which brought its bee mascot to the consternation of a number of startled dogs.
Ballerina costumes were big
At least I'm calling this a ballerina. (It might be a floozy.)
Elvis was my favorite
This was a popular look. Simple, classy.
Jesters were well represented
Festive!
This fellow was handsome and elegant
This dog is named Daisy
Beautiful
A vendor's dog dresses warmly
I'm sorry, but this is just wrong! Bless his heart.
This poor dog is dressed like a chicken
The bad thing about this: he's a male dog!
In Knoxville, you can always fall back on the UT theme
Another fan of orange
Some humans and dogs dressed to match
A family affair
Matching leather jackets for this pair
Some dogs resemble their owners
Some don't at all
Mardi Growl was a good place to make friends
Even if you didn't have that much in common
The cutest dogs are up for adoption. Call Young-Williams.
Whatever works!
Being handicapped was not a deterent to having a good time
A really good friend will share his stroller
Wagons make good transportation, too
Restaurants with dog-friendly patios did brisk business - even in the frigid weather. This is at Soccer Taco.
The patio at Trio Cafe
Of course the fire hydrant attracted attention
WBIR's Erin Donovan and her dog, Grady
Market Square District Association head John Craig and Wiggles
Knoxville Magazine Editor Janet Testerman with her dog, Riley, and her friend Craig Shelton
My hero. Todd Maurer rescued this dog from terrible abuse six years ago. Now they visit the ill together.
It was hard not to notice the Great Dane Rescue group
This dog was so big it was wearing a saddle!
All kinds of dog-related items were for sale
It must be more comfortable to be a jester in the cold weather than in the warm. Just sayin'.
These guys were giving away the previous week's Sunday paper. "The coupons are still good," they'd say. "And the paper comes with a free plastic bag!" Lots of folks needed those bags!
This guy was not that popular with the dogs. But the children liked him.
I don't think this cat was happy to be there. But she did attract attention.
Photo credit: Picture of the cat was taken by Erin Donovan. Thanks!
Really enjoyed all the pictures.
This is a seriously fun event. Great pictures! Thanks.
Cute Corgi 🙂 His name is Fred and he thinks he’s a show dog! Thanks for the exposure Cynthia!
It was so much fun! Terry: If I ever get a dog, it will be a corgi. They are just adorable – especially Fred!
Mardi Growl is a blast for kids and adults. My nephews laughed and hooted at the costumes. “Look at the sphaghetti dog!” “There’s Darth Vader and the Princess,” and on and on. Great fun and such a worthy cause. As a cat lover, I do wonder if the event needs to be followed by a fun “Feline Prowl!”
Amy: I heard about that spaghetti and meatballs dog! I wish I had seen it!
Thank you, Cynthia, to you and your staff for all your help with this great event. I also want to thank all the wonderful people who came out and participated in this amazing event.
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