Story and Photos by Lisa Carolin
It was like a flashback to Woodstock outside Farmers Supply Company Saturday morning. Woodstock was in fact the theme of this year’s Pet Parade, and there was no shortage of tie die accessories and groovy glasses.
Juliana Gatza, 6, and her dog Paisley both dressed as hippies with the message of peace and love.
Tess and Hugo Kapelke were sporting a lot of tie dye as were their dogs Daisy and Heidi. They were planning to compete in the lookalike contest. Contests included one for youngest, oldest, best, funniest, and most unusual costume.
Susan Flinders and her dog Tobias both dressed in drag.
“I’m a ringmaster,” said Flinders, wearing a suit. “Tobias is my trick dog. He has a feminine side he needed to express with this outfit.”
There was also a goat in costume as well as Ana Hotaling with her bunny Tundra, the “hippy hopper,” and her son Jaeson with Altaria, the “hippy chick.”
Miss Washtenaw County Daveaux Riggs, and Miss Teen Washtenaw County Grace Newlin, were both judges.
“I’m overwhelmed with all the great costumes,” said Newlin.
“We’ve got some tough choices,” said Riggs.
There was a blessing for the animals and an offer to visit the water bull for thirsty contestants. Then it was time for the parade, which went through neighborhoods and culminated with a walk down Main Street.
Also on hand inside the depot were a number of representatives from animal rescue groups promoting everything from adoption to spaying and neutering in the case of Project Catsnip.
The parade is an annual event and attracted many onlookers.
