Summers in Leelanau County are filled with so many fun days, but some are way more fun than others.
The Northport Dog Parade which steps off at noon on Saturday, Aug. 8 might rank as one of the more memorable days of summer in Leelanau.
More than 200 dogs will be on parade through the streets of Northport celebrating this year’s theme, “Pawty Like a Rockstar.” Whether it’s rock, pop, heavy metal, funk or hip hop there will be many creative, fun and funny costumes on display from our furry friends and their handlers.
This year’s parade will have a bittersweet tone as organizers celebrate the founder of the dog parade, David Chrobak. Chrobak, who started the parade in 1996, passed away this last year and will be honored posthumously as this year’s Grand Marshal. The proprietor of the Old Mill Inn and the kitschy resale shop, Pot ‘O Gold, Chrobak was a true Northport legend and known for his dogged community support. The float honoring Chrobak will be a fitting tribute to the individual who was celebrated as a fun, funny and irreverent resident of the village.
In the 30 years that the parade has been in existence it has grown from a modest gathering of a few pups to more than 200.
The parade steps off at noon from Northport’s Marina Park and strolls through the streets of the village eventually ending up back at the Marina Park for a raucous awards ceremony and party. Judgingfortheawards including the David Chrobak Originality Award, Best Dog Costume, Best Owner and Dog, Best Dog and Child, Grand Champion and a few others recognize the creative energy and enthusiasm of the participants. Parade judging begins at 10:30 at the Marina Park.
Proceeds from the parade are donated to local canine charities. Last year, the not-for-profit Northport Dog Parade, Inc., donated a total of more than $20,000 to Cherryland and Great Lakes Humane Societies, Leelanau Christian Neighbors for the purchase of dog food for their pantry and Fisher’s Fund for veterinary services to those who have financial challenges. Approximately 90% of the events proceeds are donated back to local charities.
Board president and proprietor of the Pennington Collection, Sarah Eggert said, “the Dog Parade represents everything that is great with summers in Leelanau. Tradition, family, fun, charity and of course, the love of our pets all play a major role in making the 2nd Saturday in August one of the best of the year”.
Information for the parade can be found at www.northportdogparade. com, Annual Northport Dog Parade on Facebook and annualnorthportdogparade on Instagram.
