Ben Madilynn
By WVUA 23 Digital Reporter Rachel Seale
TUSCALOOSA – Bring your furry friends to Capitol Park for the third annual Dogtoberfest Pet Parade and Blessing on Sunday, Oct. 13, from 3 to 5 p.m.
The free, family-friendly event is designed for all family members, especially your four-legged ones.
Julie Mann, vice president of communications at United Way of West Alabama, said the event was created and is run by the organization’s Reunited group of retirees. She said the typical family dynamic changes as people get older, and dogs become even more beloved as children move out and leave their parents behind.
“It is a fun, dog-centric event that just celebrates families of all shapes and sizes,” Mann said.
This year’s theme is rock ‘n’ roll, so Mann said she encourages pet owners to dress their dogs in their music best to enter the pet costume contest. Awards will be given for categories including “Best New Artist” for puppies, “Best Glam Rock Superstar” and “Entertainer of the Year” or best all around.
Mann said the pet parade will be led by Tuscaloosa City Council President Kip Tyner and his four-legged friends, who will be serving as grand marshals. She said the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra will also play rock tunes during the parade.
According to Mann, volunteering and attending the event are great ways to support the pets and the Reunited group. Volunteers can sign up to register dogs for the costume contest and take pictures of pets as they arrive.
“This is another way to get families together,” Mann said. “It’s really about Reunited and it’s just bringing families together.”
Mann said admission is free; however, some activities at the event will cost money. She said some of the featured activities include paw reading, a dog ice cream eating contest, red carpet photos, a “Neiman Barkus” pet shop and individual pet blessings by Christ Episcopal Church’s Rev. Paul Pradat.
Contact Bethany Fowler at bethany@uwwa.org to volunteer.
