This cute group took home the first place award for “Team Spirit.”
Mardi Growl, the biggest fundraiser for Young-Williams Animal Center every year, is always fun. Over its 18-year history, I’ve been to it in the sweltering heat as well as in the cold, drizzling rain. Brrr.
But this past Saturday, the weather was just about perfect. The thermometer registered in the low 60s at World’s Fair Park in the early afternoon, but the clear sky and bright sun made it seem much warmer. Both the dogs and the human festival-goers were comfortable in their colorful outfits.
And, speaking of outfits, the “Best of Show” award went to a dog and human portraying characters from the movie “Wicked.” I loved it that the dog was the one who played “the good witch!”
Scores of vendor booths and exhibits, numerous food trucks, and a live band made for an afternoon with something for everyone.
Young-Williams is the official animal shelter for Knoxville and Knox County. Since 2018, Young-Williams has maintained its status as a “no-kill” facility. The definition of no-kill means saving all medically and behaviorally treatable animals and maintaining a save rate of 90% or more.
The distinctive trademark colors of Mardi Gras in New Orleans let you know you are in the right place! Several years ago, Mardi Growl was moved from Market Square to World’s Fair Park, where there is a lot more space to accommodate the large crowd that comes to this fun annual party.
While Market Square became very crowded, World’s Fair Park allows room to spread out. This was especially important during the COVID epidemic, which is when the move was implemented.
After the move, families with children even have a lawn on which to relax.
A doctor dog! I think he’s just out of the surgery suite!
Batman dog.
Some folks (like me!) even came without a dog! Here are downtowners Travis Pyle, left, and Chip Barry.
These friends of mine, Erin Donovan, left, and Kristin Grove, went with the “Wicked” theme, as well! They didn’t enter the contest, but I thought they looked great. In addition to Erin dressing as Galinda and Kristin as Elphaba, the dogs are, from left, Queenie (also Galinda), Caesar (a flying monkey), and Cleopatra (Elphaba). Good job, ladies!
Here are the “Best of Show” winners!
The “Best Group” honors went to these folks (and dogs) dressed as circus performers.
Another award-winner, this one from the “Most Creative” category: a cute doggie dressed as Simba from the movie, “The Lion King.”
Meanwhile, over at the adult beverage tent, Young-Williams CEO Janet Testerman, center, was assisted with sales by her husband, Joey Creswell, and by Frances Dison, also of Young-Williams.
Volunteer Meg Lonon was checking IDs for alcohol sales.
Next door to the adult beverage booth, Knoxville Utilities Board was operating a “hydration station” giving out free water to dogs and people.
Vendors were on-site selling everything from dog food to grooming products to training services.
This booth caught my attention. It’s called “Doggy Style!” Ha. It provides plant-based pet care products.
The Very Rev. Chris Hackett, dean of St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral in downtown Knoxville, was busy blessing dogs in the church’s booth. It’s an annual tradition.
Attorney David Eldridge was bringing his dog, Lily, to be blessed.
These folks and their dog won the “Two of a Kind” award in a nod to the Men in Black” franchise.
In the “Celebrity Look-alike” category, the winners dressed as two Taylor Swifts and her boyfriend, Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs. Cute.
By far the most popular look was just straight-up Mardi Gras!
Alan Carmichael posing under the cool bird mural at World’s Fair Park.
Loved the country/rock band: Cole Graham and the Whiskey River!
Here’s a sample:
