Dogs parade in outlandish holiday wear

The 14th Annual Gaslamp Pet Parade returned to the Gaslamp on Dec. 17 with dogs in all shapes and sizes. This is a wonderful family event with dog owners coming in matching costumes with their furry friends. Some decorated floats, wagons, buggies, and bicycles all in the holiday theme. The parade began on 5th and L streets under the Gaslamp arch. The streets were lined with spectators on both sides cheering on the groups of canine friends and owners. The winners of the 2021 Best in Show, Bailey the Poway Yorkie and Derby California, led the parade as Grand Marshalls. The parade route finished at the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter and continued from 2 to 5 p.m. with the Pups in the Pub Party.

The first award given was the Stella Award. This was in memory of Taylor Kahle who worked at McFarlane Promotion and was a Gaslamp Quarter team member. Taylor Kahle was a devoted dog lover who adopted the pups Roo and Stella. In recognition of Taylor, the Stella Award was presented to Babs Fry of A Way Home For Dogs. Fry offers a free service to reunite owners with their lost dogs. If you ever lose your dog be sure to contact her at awayhomefordogs.com.

The afternoon continued with more prizes. The honor for the Best Parade Float went to Bailey the Yorkie from Poway along with owner Mary Salinas Caraway. They demonstrated the Best Parade float costume. Best Matching Costume went to Riley and owner who were the most AWWW-inspiring. The Best Christmas Spirit went to Doodle and owner Barb Ayers who rode a float with a dog beach surfboard.

The Most Outrageous Costume went to the most all-around creative and elaborate costume which was Roo who was dressed like Mariah Carey singing “All I Want For Christmas Is You” inside a snow globe. The Cutest Pet was handed out to Yoshi, a one-eyed chihuahua. and the Best Group went to Darvi. The Best Group is awarded to groups of three or more and it is fun to see whole families involved. This year, Darvi won.

The Best in the Show was a replica of Snoopy’s dog house. It was on a wagon that was pulled by a couple dressed up as Charlie Brown and Lucy. One of their dogs was dressed as the Red Baron and the other dog was all yellow for Woodstock. The winners of this special honor will get to be the grand Marshals for next year’s 15th Annual Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade in 2023. They were chosen as the best of the best with their absolute show-stopping costume.

The afternoon continued with craft beers, live music, pups and peeps games— and a whole lot of fun in the Gaslamp Quarter. To stay tuned in for next year’s event follow gaslamp.org.

Upcoming events:

Bridal Bazaar with fashion shows presented by Gretchen Productions at the San Diego Convention Center on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2023. Three shows presented during the day. For more info: 760-334-5500

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