By Melanie Patterson

The North Jefferson News



Man’s furry best friend will again be a highlight this year at Gardendale’s biggest festival.

Applications are still being accepted for the second annual Magnolia Festival Pooch Parade, sponsored by the Gardendale Arts Council.

“It’s a very family-oriented event,” said Karen Moore, who co-chairs the Pooch Parade along with Sharon Wade. “It’s just a day to spend some quality time with your pet.”

“Last year’s Pooch Parade exceeded our expectations,” said Larry York, chairman of the Gardendale Arts Council. “There are many dog lovers in the Gardendale in the Gardendale area that have an opportunity to come out and have a fun experience.”

There were 60 dogs in last year’s Pooch Parade, or, as Moore put it, “240 furry legs.”

The parade begins at 12:30 p.m. Grand marshals will be the 2008 Pooch Parade King and Queen: Isaac, a giant schnauzer owned by Tim Howell, and Baby, a poodle owned by Judy McCostlin.

The pooches on parade will be highly visible, as the parade route winds through the Gardendale Civic Center parking lot, across the road to Gardendale First Baptist Church, and back to the civic center through the main festival grounds to end at the amphitheater stage.

There, judges will take a final look at the dogs at 1-1:45 p.m.

All dogs registered in any category except “Just for Fun Walkers” are eligible to win the King or Queen award. Registration forms are available at the civic center, at most veterinarians’ offices in Gardendale, and at www.magnoliafestival.com.

The Magnolia Festival, sponsored by the City of Gardendale, will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Gardendale Civic Center.

For more information, visit www.magnoliafestival.org.