We believe in celebrating love in all its forms, and this year's Annual Pet Pride Parade was a true testament to that spirit! Held on June 9th, our beloved community came together in vibrant colors and wagging tails to show their support for equality, diversity, and our furry companions.
A Pawsome Turnout
What started as a modest gathering has grown into an event that draws animal lovers from all corners of Norfolk and beyond. This year, we were thrilled to welcome around 100 people and their four-legged friends, with an impressive 65-75 dogs! The energy and enthusiasm were sky high as dogs of all breeds and sizes pranced proudly alongside their humans, showcasing their best pride swag!
Vendor Delights
Our parade wouldn't be complete without the support of our wonderful vendors who joined us in celebrating this special day. Kult K9, Zoomin' Groomin' Norfolk (offering $10 nail trims), Carolina Cupcakery (treating participating dogs to free mini pupcakes and offering delectable cupcakes for humans), and LGBT Life Center set up informative and engaging booths that added to the festive atmosphere. Pittie Dog Grill sweetened the deal with coupons for all attendees, ensuring everyone went home with a little something special.
Goodie Bags Galore
As a token of appreciation for our community, we distributed generous goodie bags filled with treats and samples from some of our favorite brands. Each bag featured delights such as Fromm Crunchy O's, Go! Solutions samples, Orijen/Acana swag, a Pawsnickety Pets Frisbee, and samples from Project Sudz. It was our way of saying thank you for joining us in celebrating this joyful occasion!
Raising Funds for a Worthy Cause
A highlight of the event was our raffle, where participants had the chance to win a spectacular gift basket valued at over $200! Proceeds from the raffle and sales benefited the LGBT Life Center, our esteemed guests of honor for the day. Their presence and the support of our community underscored our commitment to giving back and supporting causes that matter.
Pride Contest Winners
Of course, no Pet Pride Parade would be complete without our much-anticipated contest for the best pride-themed dog. This year's winners stole the show with their creativity and spirit:
- First Place: Trixie
- Second Place: Lil Bill
- Third Place: Emmy
Congratulations to our winners and all participants who made our parade a colorful and memorable event!
Looking Forward
After another successful Pet Pride Parade, we are filled with gratitude for our community's unwavering support and enthusiasm. We look forward to continuing this tradition of love, inclusivity, and furry fun for many years to come. Stay tuned for updates on next year's parade as we strive to make it bigger and better than ever!
Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating love, pride, and our cherished pets. Together, we make a paw-sitive difference in our community and beyond!
