By Brian Freiberger [email protected]
The annual Northport Dog Parade is a fun yearly tradition that brings people and their pups together for one epic parade on Saturday. In-person registration begins at 10:30 a.m., and the parade starts at noon, with a fee of $10 per dog. Golf carts and floats are allowed.
The theme of this 2024 dog parade is ‘Barkum & Bailey’s Flea Ring Circus,’ according to parade organizer and Pennington Collection owner Sarah Eggert.
“I think it’s a great community event, kid-friendly, and gets people to Northport for a different reason,” Eggert said. “We will have a stilt walker and clowns walking the street while doing balloons for the kids, and agility dogs will be back for the second year.”
A doggie expert committee picks a theme for each year, and prizes are awarded for various categories at the end of the parade. Past themes have included “The Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderlab, Through the Woofing Glass, and Canine Couture.”
Other events include various dogs doing tricks at the Northport Marina a couple of hours before the parade.
Over 180 dogs entered the parade last year, with the money raised going to local humane societies, including Cherry Land and Great Lakes Humane Societies.
Registration and sponsorship fees help cover the expenses incurred to make it possible to hold the parade and, most importantly, contribute to local animal shelters and dog care for people who are in need. This year’s benefi ciaries include the Cherryland Humane Society, The Fisher Fund, and the Great Lakes Humane Society.
Local businesses will still be holding their sidewalk sale with special deals throughout Northport.
This is an all-volunteer event. 10:30 a.m. - In-person registration 11:30 a.m. - Parade line-up Noon - Parade begins Register online at northportomenachamber. org/northport-dogparade.
Day-of registration will be available at the Mill in Northport.
