Doggie parade to raise funds for Relay for Life

One Relay For Life team wants to get the whole family involved to raise money for the American Cancer Society, and this includes the family dog.

The Will’s Willing Walkers Relay For Life team will sponsor a Doggie Parade on Saturday at 1 p.m. at City Lake Park in Russellville.

According to organizer Sharon Cole, this is the second year the team has sponsored the event.

“Last year I was trying to think of something fun we could do to raise money for the Relay For Life,” Cole said. “I have a little dog that I like to dress up and my daughter does, too, so I thought it would be cute and fun to have an event where people could dress up their dogs and parade them around. People love their dogs like family and they like to show them off.

“After I thought of the idea, I did some research and saw that people used ‘doggie parades’ as fundraisers, so we got the event together and, despite of the weather, we had a good turnout last year.”

For a $10 entry fee, Cole said people wishing to participate can dress their dog up in an outfit or a costume and they will parade around City Lake. A photographer will be at the event to take pictures and picture packages will be available for purchase.

“This isn’t a competition, but there will be recognition for things like tiniest dog, biggest dog and best outfit,” Cole said.

She added the parade would be entertaining and the money was going to benefit a good cause, so it was a great event to come support.

“This will be something the whole family will enjoy, especially the kids,” Cole said.

“They’ll love seeing all the dogs dressed up in costumes.”

Cole added dogs who come to the park need to be on a leash. To pre-register for the event, contact Sharon Cole at 256-332-3270. Participants can also show up and register the day of the parade.