The third annual pooch parade will be held at the Magnolia Festival on Saturday at the Gardendale Civic Center.

“In the past, people have been very excited to come out on a pretty day with their animals, and to come to a place where their animals are welcome,” said Karen Moore, co-chair of the Pooch Parade and member of the Gardendale Arts Council.

Most participants dress their dogs in a variety of costumes and and walk them in a parade starting at the Gardendale Civic Center.

“You never know what creative outfit you’ll see in the Pooch Parade. We had one poodle dressed in a pink dress with a matching beret and wireless pink sunglasses,” said Moore.

Participants can enter their dogs in a variety of competitions, and entering any category automatically enters the dog in the Magnolia Festival Pooch King and Queen competition. The winners of “best overall” become the King and Queen, and are the grand marshal of next year’s parade and also participate in the Gardendale Christmas Parade.

“I don’t want to say it’s a dog beauty contest… but it kinda is,” said Moore. Dog owners can also enter the parade as a “Just For Fun” walker. These walkers aren’t in any contest except for “judge’s choice.”

“It’s definitely one of the highlights of the festival,” said Larry York, the chairman of the Arts Council.

Moore is asking dog owners to clean up after their animals and keep them on leashes at all times, and to also only enter friendly and manageable dogs.  Children under the age of 8 should be accompanied by an adult, but all ages are welcome to participate.

“People all ages love it…People love animals, and dogs in particular,” said York.

The judged categories are as follows:  Best costume, best float, best trick, cutest dog, best team, cutest puppy, best photograph, peoples’ choice ($1 per vote), ugliest dog and judges’ choice.

Applications are available at www.magnoliafestival.org, at Gardendale veterinarian office, and at the Gardendale Civic Center.

Moore said the proceeds from the parade are in support of the City of Gardendale and local art.