A new tradition is beginning in parades nationwide...

Dachshund Parades...aka dachies, doxies, wiener dogs, hotdogs. Whatever you choose to call these long in bodied, short legged, intelligent but determined canines who come in almost as many flavors as ice cream, they are taking parades by storm.

You may wonder when and where it started? Internet sources to date, credit Bridget and Joe of Ashland, Oregon with the first internet documented Dachshund parade held in 1991.

The 4th of July parade held annually in Ashland, Oregon draws thousands of spectators yearly. This large turnout is attributed to Ashland's Shakespeare festival, which is held almost year round.

Bridget and Joe as residents of a nearby community noticed the town's folks had more in common than the parade...namely,  "a love of Dachies". That gave them an idea...Why not unite Dachshund owners and Dachshunds together to march in a "Wiener Dogs on Parade"? Thus, to make a long story short, the word got out, owners united with other owners, and a tradition was born.

As they say, the rest is history... 

This Month's Events

October 2008

 

Wednesday, October 22		Fantasy Fest 2008            Key West,  FL
		WKEY 93.5 presents the annual Pet Masquerade & Parade held at the Westin Key West Resort & Marina. A favorite of locals and repeat visitors this event is the local Mardi Paws where animals rule with categories of competitions including most Exotic Attire, Best Theme Adaptation, Pet/Owner Look-a-likes and Junior Division with proceeds benefiting the Lower Keys Friends of Animals. Please check Website for latest details.
Saturday, October 25		Canine Halloween Party            Modesto,  CA
		Join us at Top Notch Kennels for a Howling Halloween party! Events and games include: Best Costume contest (for the family and the dog), the Mummy Walk, Fishing for Fingers, Pumpkin Race, Haunted Tunnel, and a Photo shoot. Please check Website for latest details.
Saturday, October 25		7th Annual Halloween Canine Costume Contest            Tigard, OR
		Come join the fun at the seventh annual Halloween Canine Costume Contest hosted by the Tigard Dog Park Committee. The event will be held on Saturday, October 25, at Potso Dog Park. The park is located off SW Hunziker Street at SW Wall Street behind the Coe Manufacturing building in Tigard. Please check Website for latest details.
Saturday, October 25		18th Annual Halloween Dog Parade           New York, NY
		12 Noon at Tompkins Square Park. One of the biggest pet Halloween parties of it's kind in the country. Dress up the dogs, but be warned: the competition is fierce for "Best In Show," "Best Costume - large and small breed," "Best Dog with Kid," "Best Dog Team Costume," "Best Trick" and "Best Dog and Owner Combo." Please check Website for latest details.
Sunday, October 26		2008 Haute Dog Howl'oween Parade          Long Beach,  CA
		Sun., Oct. 26, 2:30 p.m. The Haute Dog Howl’oween Parade is the world’s largest Halloween pet event. More than 600 costumed dogs in the 2007 parade. Flying monkeys, witches, ballerinas and–yes–hot dogs are just a few of the costumes dogs have worn in past parades. Prizes will be awarded to the judges’ favorite top-13 entries, plus these four overall awards: best “float,” best overall canine costume (on any one dog), best costume on a human, and best “group theme.” Please check Website for latest details.
Sunday, October 26		Roscoe Village Halloween Parade          Oak Park, IL
		Roscoe Village Halloween parade will kick off at the corner of Leavitt and Roscoe at 2 p.m. and will be led by the Lane Tech marching band. Pets in costume are welcome to join the Sam & Willy's crew for the pet contingency of the parade. Pets should gather with their human companions at 1:30 at Leavitt and Roscoe. For more information on the pet parade, call Tom at 773-404-0400 or email tdaniels@samandwillys.com.
Sunday, October 26		Howl-Ween at the Park           Bronx, NY
		12 Noon-2pm. Howl-O-Ween in Van Cortland Park at Canine Court! Bring your pooch to the park in costume and compete to win fabulous prizes. At Canine Court, located in Van Cortlandt Park in the Northwest Bronx/Riverdale section. Enter part at Broadway and Lakeview Place. Please check Website for latest details.
Thursday, October 30		Haunted Halloween Hounds Costume Party          Chicago, IL
		The Glessner House Museum on the Near South Side will host a Haunted Halloween Hounds Costume Party and Pet Parade. Festivities will begin at 6:30 p.m., and the parade will step off at 7:30 pm. Spectators are welcome. Please check Website for latest details.
Friday, October 31		Halloween Pet Parade                        Albuquerque, NM
		5:15pm. Owners and costumed pets will gather for the annual Pet Parade (all types of pets are welcome) at The Dawg House at 304 San Felipe NW, climaxing with the Pet Costume Contest at Plaza Don Luis at 6:00 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for Funniest and Scariest Costumes and for “Best Behaved” and “Worst Behaved” pets. Free treats will be awarded, too! Please check Website for latest details.
Friday, October 31		Halloween on Main Street Parade                        Park City, UT
		4 - 5 p.m.: Doggie Photos at the Post Office. Families can bring leashed and costumed dogs for photo opportunities. Photos can be viewed at www.rightonmain.org. 5 - 5:30 p.m.: The Barks and Howls Dog Parade. The annual costumed dog parade will be led by members of the Park City High School Marching Band will proceed from the Post Office down Main Street into The Shops at the Village on Main, the collection of merchants on lower Main Street and 7th Avenue. Please check Website for latest details.
Friday, October 31		Greenwich Village Halloween Parade Animal Float         NYC/Manhattan, NY
		The Granddaddy of Them All - The 35th Annual Greenwich Village Halloween Parade starring the now-famous "Animals Love NYC" Float! This will be the third year the float will be in the Parade and promises to be even more exciting than ever with Greatest American Dog Contestants Beth Joy and Bella Starlet at the helm! Please check Website for latest details.

November 2008

 

Saturday, November 1		27th Annual Dog Days 5K Run        Gainesville, FL
		8:00 AM. The UF student chapter of the Veterinary Medical Association along with the Florida Track Club host the 27th Annual Dog Days 5K at Westside Park. The 5K is part of the Florida Track Club Grand Prix Series. This race will benefit the UF Student Chapter of the Veterinary Medical Association and the Alliance for Rabies Control. The 1-mile Dog Run is at 9 AM and is for dogs and their owners. The Dog Run goes around the perimeter of the park. Awards will be given to the overall winner for 0-40 lbs. and 40 lb. and over. Also, special awards will be given for special categories such as Dog and Owner Look-Alike, Slowest Dog, Smallest Dog, Biggest Dog, and Cutest Dog. Please check Website for latest details.
Saturday, November 8		Woofstock!        Seabrook, TX
		11:00 AM - 3 PM Woofstock 2008 @ Landolt Pavilion in the Clear Lake Area. The annual event boasts a wide array of entertainment for people and their canine friends, and is the major fundraiser for bay Area Pet Adoptions. From costume contests to raffles, holiday photographs and shopping, there is something to please everyone in the crowd. Join us for family fun with your dog. Please check Website for latest details.
Saturday, November 8		Barkaroo Dog Festival        Murfreesboro, TN
		10 am - 3:30 Murfreesboro Bark Park. Free to all canines and public. Event featuring contests, prizes, raffles, gifts, food and refreshments. Please check Website for latest details.
Sat/Sun, November 1-2		Santa Paws and Adoptathon      Sacramento, CA
		Get a jump on the holidays at the Sacramento SPCA! Have your two and four-legged family photographed with Santa or in a winter wonderland setting on November 1-2, 2008 from 11 am to 3 pm. Please check Website for latest details.
Saturday, November 15		Gleannloch Farms 2nd Annual Paws and Claws Pet Festival     Houston , TX
		2pm - 5pm. All friendly dogs welcome. Event featuring contests, prizes, raffles, gifts, food and refreshments, and this year in conjunction with Champion Woods Animal Hospital's Vaccination Clinic, vaccinations will be given to dogs and cats at the Festival. Please check Website for latest details.
Saturday, November 15		Chemung County Humane Society             Elmira, NY
		The Chemung County Humane Society and SPCA will hold a holiday pet photo event from 11 am to 2 pm Nov. 15 at the Chemung County Fairgrounds K-9 Building. Please check Website for latest details.
Saturday, November 15		Pet Blessing                     Port Richey, FL
		Noon - 2 pm. Pet Blessings by Rev. Barbara Williams at the Unity Truth Center. Your pet will receive a beautiful certificate, a take home snack and a free 4x6 print of you and your pet. Please check Website for latest details.
Saturday, November 22		Santa Special AniMile & Human Race          Kingsport, TN
		1 mile fun run/walk for people and their pets. Race net proceeds support the Kingsport Animal Shelter. Long-sleeve shirts for EVERYONE. Bandanas for the pets! This event takes place in front of the Kingsport Christmas parade, so you will have lots of folks to encourage you along the way!There will also be a doggie costume contest! Please check Website for latest details.
Saturday, November 22		3rd Annual Howl-A-Day Jubileee                     Naples, FL
		The third annual Howl-A-Day Jubilee Pet Festival by Collier County Domestic Animal Services will be held from noon to 5 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 22 at Veterans Community Park at 1895 Veterans Park Dr. This pet festival attracts more than 5,000 people and pets each year and is always a hit for people looking to meet other pet loving friends! The 2008 pet festival will include new attractions for pets and their owners including a Dog Agility Fun Course. Please check Website for latest details.

December 2008

 

Saturday, December 6		10th Annual Canine Christmas Festival 2008!      Bradenton, FL
		G.T.Bray Park 10am - 3pm. Pet Treats or Pet Toys featuring contests, prizes, raffles, 50/50 drawing (last year's pot was over $2500.00) gifts, food and refreshments, and of course Santa and his elves! Master Of Ceremonies, Local entertainer Dan Crawford All dogs must be on a leash, have inoculation tag and be social! Please check Website for latest details.
Saturday, December 6		Reindoggie Parade & Family Santa Photos       Carmel, CA
		Noon - 3 PM, Carmel Plaza (on Ocean Ave between Mission & Junipero), Carmel. Usher in the Holiday season by suiting up the entire family, including pets, in festive attire! The Reindoggie Parade is a free, fun and festive event complete with Santa & Mrs. Claus, holiday music, snacks and refreshments, Santa photos, a one-of-a-kind parade and festive giveaways including dog cookies and more! Sponored by Mackie's Parlour as a benefit for the SPCA of Monterey Country. For more information call 831.626.0600.
Saturday, December 6		Canine Christmas Caroling in Willow Glen         San Jose, CA
		6:15 PM, parking lot of Washington Mutual Bank (corner of Lincoln & Minnesota), San Jose. Get those lungs ready to carol with your canine! Grab those blinky lights and reindeer antlers and join us in the parking lot of Washington Mutual Bank. We will then "carol with our canines" through the town of Willow Glen. Join us for refreshments afterward at the Big Green Bus which will be parked near Gussied Up Dog Boutique on Lincoln. There is no charge for this event, so just show up and enjoy! It's a musical time of year... Please check Website for latest details.
Saturday, December 6		4th Annual Paws and Claus Event                 Murphys, CA
		The Calaveras Humane Society proudly announces the 4th annual “PAWS and CLAUS” event! Celebrate the season by having your pet’s photo taken with Santa Claus! Dogs, cats, rats, birds, reptiles, miniature horses or ??? all welcome. Human children (and adults too!) may also take advantage of this photo opportunity. Please check Website for latest details.
Saturday, December 6		Santa Paws Dogfest                         Santa Barbara, CA
		Santa Paws is coming to town on Dec. 6th at Godric Grove in Eling's Park from 10AM to 4PM. The Santa Paws Dogfest is a celebration of the Human-Animal Bond. This is a fundraiser for the non-profit group Shiva's Center (www.shivascenter.org) and will be full of fun and education. We will have demonstrations, vendors, contests and of course, photos of your pet with Santa Paws. Please join us! Please check Website for latest details.
Saturday, December 6		Parade of Paws                                            Amelia Island, FL
		9:30am. Redbones Dog Bakery and Boutique will be holding their 8th annual "Parade of Paws" down Centre Street, a showcase of pets at their best. Interested pet owners can pre-register at Redbones starting November 1 or sign up the day of the parade, starting at 9:30 a.m. The line-up of pets and owners will begin at 10:30 am. For those interested in watching the Parade of Paws, the parade begins at 11 a.m. and lasts approximately one hour. There is a $10 entry fee for participating pets, with all proceeds benefiting the Nassau Humane Society. A photographer will be taking pictures of dogs with their owners, which can be purchased during the event. Following the Parade, a pet caricature artist will be creating caricatures for customers who bring their dogs back to Redbones. Please check Website for latest details.
Saturday, December 6		Reindog Parade                                 Benton Harbor, MI
		11 am/Noon start. Free event. Owners dress up themselves and dogs, to escort Santa into the downtown to kick off the holiday season. Bands, carolers and crazy floats are all part of this extraordinary parade. State Street is closed so take Main Street to Park Street and park along Lake Boulevard. Parade begins at 400 block of State Street. Please check Website for latest details.
Sunday, December 7		Santa Paws                                                      Valencia, CA
		11 am - 3 pm. Does Santa know that Fido wants a bone for Christmas or that Fluffy is just itching for a new scratching post? Well he can when you bring your four-legged friend (cats & dogs) to meet Kris Kringle at Santana Row's Park Valencia for your keepsake photo with Santa Claus. Photos are $20 and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Humane Society Silicon Valley. Please check Website for latest details.
Sunday, December 7 & 14		Santa Paws at Regency Square                      Richmond, VA
		8 am - 10 pm. Does Santa know that Fido wants a bone for Christmas or that Fluffy is just itching for a new scratching post? 'Tis the season to dress up your pets! Join Regency Square, the Richmond SPCA and Santa for that very special pet photo sessions on December 7 and 14 to benefit the pets in our care. Please check Website for latest details.
Saturday, December 13		2nd annual MSPCA Santa Paws and Jingle Tails     Boston, MA
		Does Santa know that Fido wants a bone for Christmas or that Fluffy is just itching for a new scratching post? Well he can when your pet meets Kris Kringle at the Boston MSPCA for a holiday photo-shoot. Please check Website for latest details.
Saturday, December 13		Santa Paws Walk                                       Tallahassee, FL
		Held at at Lake Ella (North Monroe St, between Tharpe & 7th). For more details contact SPW07@comcast.net.
Saturday, December 13		Winter Woof Fest!                                    Cordova, CA
		"GONE TO THE DOGS!' sponsors the Second Annual "WINTER WOOF FEST!". The event takes place Saturday, December 13th from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. The location is the Cordova Recreation Park District (CRPD) Headquarters at 2197 Chase Drive in Rancho Cordova. Please check Website for latest details.