After 25 Years, Pets Still on Parade

Saturday, May 23, 10 a.m. for judging at the School; 11 a.m. Parade to the Village Green

— from Vala Ross —

The 25th Annual Pet Parade will be taking over the streets of Eastsound on Saturday, May 23.

Kaleidoscope Preschool and Child Care Center is at it again, preparing for the island’s furry friend’s parade. The starting location is school road at 10:00 am for judging. As usual, the parade will begin at 11:00 am. Participants will head down School Rd and keep going on North Beach Rd. They will turn left at the intersection of A Street, and right down Prune Alley. At Main St, they will wrap around back to North Beach Rd and end the parade at the stage in Eastsound Village Green. Rumor has it that Children’s House Mayoral Candidates will be parading with us, so keep an eye out for the next political pet. They are looking forward to meeting their community and kicking of their campaign.

Participants will be divided into two categories:

• Children and pets who WANT to be categorized and judged for a trophy award to be presented on the stage at Eastsound Village Green.
• Adults and pets who would like to be eligible for the PAWKI’s Best Adult Entry award, which includes a $25 gift certificate. These participants should be there primarily for the parade experience.

All participants will register at the school, be photographed by PAWKI’s, and get a goodie bag of their choice. Entries will NOT be allowed in either judging line after 10:45, so please make sure you are not on “island time.” This will reduce the wait time it takes for judging, and make the parade a more enjoyable experience for all.

Also available at the end location is Kaleidoscope’s concession stand with kid-friendly food. Rockin DogZ Pet Grooming has generously offered a pet grooming raffle. Tickets can be purchased for $1. That drawing will take place at 2:00pm on the stage.

A HUGE thank-you goes out to the 20+ island businesses that are supporting our exciting categories this year. Local business support is always encouraging, with many saying “yes” before they have even been asked. Kaleidoscope would also like to acknowledge a special thank-you to Dr. Jill Bates for judging, The Lower Tavern for providing food for our concession stand, PAWKI’s for their continued hands-on participation, Rockin DogZ for donating a pet grooming, and Madi Jane West and friends for their musical performance after the awards ceremony.

Keep an eye out for flyers announcing our judging categories and sponsors. Kaleidoscope is looking forward to another year of costumes, contestants, and critters! If you have any questions, please call Kaleidoscope at 376-2484.