Parading Laguna’s animals

Suzie Harrison

Questions are circulating in Laguna’s canine community accompanied by

plenty of wagging tails and drooling in anticipation of who will win

the pet competitions at the eighth annual Laguna Pet Parade and Chili

Cook-off Sunday at Tivoli Too!

Conceived by Larry Wilson and Caroline Haines, the Laguna Board of

Realtors orchestrates the event every year with all funds raised

benefiting the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, Laguna Animal Shelter

and Blue Bell Cat Foundation.

Wilson said it originated because he wanted to do a fundraiser for

animals and Haines wanted to do the chili, so he came up with the

idea for the pet parade and combined it.

Along with the parade and chili cook-off is a friendly pet

competition for the most talented, most handsome male, prettiest

female, cutest baby pet and best costume. Gold said up to 100

entrants compete.

“We’re also giving a special award this year to a pet that has

competed every year, eight times and has never won,” event chairman

Rick Gold said.

It will receive the longevity award, but Gold didn’t want to name

the winner and give away the surprise.

“One year we had a female win handsomest male, so we have to check

the sexes of all animals to make sure we get it right,” Gold said.

In addition, the event will have kid’s activities and face

painting, as well as information booths from the marine mammal

center, Blue Bell and the shelter among others.

In the past, town dignitaries were a part of the judging panel

performing the taste testing to see who will win “Best Chili of the

Year” and pet judging. This year Mayor Cheryl Kinsman and Martha

Anderson are part of the pet judging committee.

Gold said that anyone could bring his or her pet -- even those who

are not in the competition. The pet parade comes after the awards are

given, and all animals are welcome to participate.

Pet pre-registration is $7.50 per category at the Laguna Board of

Realtors at 939 Glenneyre St. before 5 p.m. on Friday, or by calling

(949) 497-2474. Registration at the gate is $10. Tivioli Too! is at

777 Laguna Canyon Road. The event will be from noon to 3 p.m.

Admission is $3 and free for children 12 and under.