The Olympian’s 82nd annual Pet Parade is set for Saturday, a chance for children 16 and under and their pets to take center stage during the hourlong, downtown parade.
IF YOU GO
When: Saturday
Where: Starts in Heritage Park on Water Street, next to Capitol Lake, downtown Olympia. The parade ends in Sylvester Park on Legion Way.
Theme: Villains vs. Superheroes
Time: Lineup begins at 8 a.m.; parade starts at 10 a.m.
Judging: 8:30 to 9:45 a.m.
Categories: Pets, wheels, impersonations, big dogs, little dogs and floats.
Details: Registration isn’t required. After the parade, there will be free ice cream and goodie bags at Sylvester Park. No motorized or battery-operated vehicles are permitted in the parade, except those assisting disabled people. No commercial entries or politicking are allowed. Donations of unopened cans and bags of pet food will be accepted in Heritage Park. Donations go to Thurston County Animal Services.
Sponsors: Bruce Titus Pet Project and Olympia Federal Savings.
The Holder family of Olympia wouldn’t miss it for the world, Laura Holder said, and her husband, Keith, hasn’t missed the parade in 38 years.
The Holders’ children plan to participate, with three of the four planning to dress up like American Girl dolls, while their cat, Tigger, also dressed the same way, will ride in a stroller. Although Tigger looks grumpy during the parade, he enjoys being in the stroller, she said.
Her other daughter, who was “too cool” to dress up as an American Girl doll, will dress up as a princess with her friends. So, too, will the family dog, Kate, a miniature golden doodle, she said. Laura’s mother, Shirley Robertson of Seattle, also plans to attend.
The Pet Parade is another reason why Olympia is a great place in which to raise a family, Laura Holder said.
“It’s fun for them to show off their pets,” she said.
Rolf Boone: 360-754-5403
rboone@theolympian.com
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