“Best of Show” award went to “Punk Rock in Purple!”
Downtown Knoxville, like the rest of our community, has really been through it with the weather recently. But, on Saturday, the weather gods bestowed a blessing as hundreds of canines and thousands of humans took over downtown Knoxville from the Old City to World’s Fair Park for the 19th annual Mardi Growl parade and festival benefiting Young-Williams Animal Center.
The four-legged participants even made their presence felt on Market Square as their humans took them for breakfast, brunch or lunch on the many outside patios before and after the festivities. The temperature remained in the low 70s throughout the afternoon.
Mardi Growl, in its 19th year, is a major fundraiser for Young-Williams, the official animal shelter for Knoxville and Knox County. Under the direction of CEO Janet Testerman, Young-Williams has maintained its “no-kill” status since 2018, which means sustaining a “save rate” of 90 percent or more for all medically and behaviorally treatable animals.
The organization’s vision: “a home for every pet.”
The parade, led by the Fulton High School Band, stepped off in the Old City at 11 a.m. Here they are approaching the intersection of Jackon Avenue and Gay Street.
“When the Saints Go Marching In,” was the signature tune of the New Orleans-saluting event, of course.
Weiner dogs Oscar, Meyer, and Frank didn’t have to exert themselves marching in the parade — they had staff to drive them!
We didn’t know it then, but this well-attired poodle would end up a big winner in a few hours!
“Young Willie’ on the other hand, had to make it on his own power. He’s the mascot of Young-Williams Animal Center.
Knoxville’s new police horses drew applause.
Zoom Room, a pet training company located in Hardin Valley, was title sponsor of Mardi Growl this year. Their motto: “We don’t train dogs. We train the people who love them.” Ha.
See how pretty the weather was at World’s Fair Park?
Perfect!
At Mardi Growl, there are scores of vendors selling everything pet-related that you can imagine. Here are a few offerings: clockwise from top left, leashes; collars; koozies and dog treats (they were free); and complimentary tennis balls.
A more exotic offering: pet portraits.
Chuy’s was selling nachos and offering free appetizers to anyone who would bring in a framed photo of their dog to hang in the restaurant.
Rev. Thom Rasnick of St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral provided pet blessings for anyone who wanted them.
After browsing for a while, I asked myself, “Where would my friends be?” Then it hit me: the adult beverage booth! From left, selling drinks: Young-Williams CEO Janet Testerman, Dino Cartwright, Joey Creswell, and Mitchell Moseley.
As I was standing at the bar sipping my canned wine (yep!), I heard someone shout: “What’s grass have to do to get a drink around here?” I was surprised (and a little puzzled) to see Kristin Grove, left, and Erin Donovan (inside the grass stalks) standing there with three corgis on leashes!
They would later go on to win “Most Creative” in the costume contest! They were dressed as the Super Bowl 2026 Half-Time Show! Remember how Bad Bunny ran through tall stands of grass or sugar cane or something to introduce different scenes during the show? Erin was the grass, Kristin asked you to use your imagination to see her as grass, and the three corgis wore t-shirts identifying themselves as Bad Bunny, Ricky Martin, and Gaga! Very clever, friends! That’s Benny Carringer of Young-Williams conveying the plaque.
I saw some great t-shirts there!
He has friends in low places! Ha.
Nice to see a cat person in the bunch! Here’s my friend Maria McHale.
And I was partial to this shirt because it reminded me of my childhood in Rome, Georgia. He said there’s still a Piggly Wiggly in Hilton Head, which is where he acquired this!
Fun seeing Tina Rolen and Bill Pittman. He’s chair of the Young-Williams board of directors.
It was also nice to see Joy and former Knoxville Vice Mayor and City Council member Nick Pavlis.
Does everybody have a corgi these days? I swear, they were the most prevalent breed all over downtown on Saturday!
There was even a corgi meet-up at Mardi Growl!
Even bears apparently like Mardi Growl! These are the mascots of the Knoxville Smokies baseball team, Knox and Jackson.
The Team Spirit award went to Team USA!
Two of a Kind award went to “Stranger Pugs.”
Celebrity Look-alike award went to The Pupside Down. (“Stranger Things” had a big day!)
Leader of the Pack went to Helen Ross McNabb Foundation.
Fun music was by the Mudbug Stompers. And Star. 93.3 provided emcee services.
Always fun to see so many creative costumes. Thanks to Janet and the Young William’s Team and other volunteers that made it another great event!
Debbie: I agree. A very unique — and fun! — experience!