FARMINGTON — The Franklin County Animal Shelter invites dog owners to include their pets in the Chester Greenwood parade Saturday, Dec. 1.
“At first we were going to invite just shelter alumni to show what good dogs come from the shelter, but then we thought let’s get everybody together and all be in the parade,” said Heidi Jordan, the shelter’s executive director. “We hope everyone just gets in the spirit and has a ‘paws-itively’ good time.”
The parade begins at 11 a.m. Jordan is asking owners to assemble at the Mallett School parking lot by 10:30 a.m. to avoid too long a wait.
Dogs should be on a leash. Retractable leashes are discouraged to help keep any dogs from wrapping their leash around other dogs and walkers, she said.
Owners can dress up their dogs if they choose. The shelter is making some foam vests with ribbons for alumni dogs, she said.
Owners are also encouraged to wear their earmuffs. The shelter is planning a little surprise for each owner to add to their earmuffs — all within the spirit of the day, she said.
Once the parade is over, dogs and owners will gather for a group photo either in Meetinghouse Park or the courthouse parking lot, she said.
It’s an annual tradition to walk shelter dogs behind the shelter banner in the parade. There are only two dogs currently ready for adoption. There is no registration or fee.
“Just show up and join the fun,” she said.
For more information about joining the parade of dogs, call the shelter at 778-2638.
The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce hosts the 36th annual celebration of Farmington’s own Chester Greenwood, inventor of the ear muff and many other inventions. This year, the celebration is held Dec. 1 in honor of Greenwood’s birthday.
The theme for the parade this year is Santa’s Little Helpers.
The event features activities for all ages throughout the day, from a holiday window decorating contest to a one-mile fun run, craft shows, horse and wagon rides, entertainment and the Polar Bear Club annual dip in to Clearwater Lake in Industry.
More information is available on the chamber website at www.franklincountymaine.org
abryant@sunjournal.com
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