Kaleidoscope Pet Parade Ushers in Summer

Sheya Welty and her little brother Atreyu get ready to "march" their (disinterested) cat Rambo in the parade.Kaleidoscope Childcare Center's annual Pet Parade marks the beginning of summer.

At this year’s 21st annual event, on Saturday, May 28, the daycare center netted about $4,000, including fees from sponsors, registrants and the hamburger/hot dog concession.

Prizes were awarded by the 21 community business sponsors. About 92 pets, from box turtles to chickens, paraded forth before gathering at Eastsound Village Green Stage for the awards and campaign speeches for the Mayor of Eastsound fundraiser, benefiting Children’s House.

All parade contestants won signature blue ribbon awards. Special awards were given out as follows:

• Grayson Rosenberg & Sophie won “Star of the Show,” sponsored by Island Hardware & Supply
• Lael Watson & Juno won “An Island Original” award, sponsored by Islanders Bank
• Trinity Sanchez & Layla won the “Best Built Pet” award, sponsored by Terra Firma NW
• Inga Beehler & Toby  won for “Best Fed Pet,” sponsored by Island Market
• Rylee & Jai with Sally & Luna won for “Best Smile,” sponsored by Dr. Steven Bailey and Dr. Brenda Ivans
• Caleb Wood & his Rabbits won for “Best Behaved Pet,” sponsored by  Orcas Veterinary Service
• Chela Mohler & Mac won the “Best Dressed” award, given by Aurora Company
• Bella Shermerhorn & Winkey  won for the “Friendliest Pet,” sponsored by the Realtors of Windermere
• Hana & Camille Neutz & “The Tiny Turtle Team” won for the Best Group, given by the Kiwanis Club of Orcas Island
• Sunshine Roach & Sweetie won the “Owner-Pet Look-a-Like” award, sponsored by VanderYacht Propane
• Janice Williams & her sheepdog won the “Largest Pet Award,” given by Orcas Excavators  and Island Excavating
• Fin Rubottom & Bitzer were given the “Healthiest Pet” Award, given by Orcas Family Health Center -Dr. Shinstrom and Staff
• Molly & Lucy Troxel with their hens won the “Best Farm Animal” Award, sponsored by The Wareham Family and Evan’s Farm & Nursery
• Tiana Tompkins & Lilly  won the “Best Trick” Award, given by Orcas Island Family Medicine  and Orcas Island Physical Therapy
• Serafina Buck with her stuffed animals won the “Safest Pet” Award, sponsored by  San Juan Insurance
• Margot VanGelder with her chicken Snowy won the “Judge’s Choice” Award, sponsored by Island Irrigation and Orcas Island Golf Course.