Dogs, dog-owners, and dog-lovers are invited (along with everyone else) to convene at Ocean Park for the second annual Good Dog Goods Martha’s Vineyard Dog Parade this Saturday, August 28 at 6:30 pm (this event was rescheduled from August 22 due to weather). This year’s parade was themed Welcome Back, Bo!, and now it is So Long, Bo! as an homage to the First Dog and his First Family, vacationing on the Island beginning Thursday, August 19. (Bo Obama has been extended an invitation, along with his friends and family).
The prized position of dog marshall was auctioned off at the Possible Dreams Auction at the beginning of August. After learning their family would be off-Island for the event, successful bidders Karen Weitz and Jim Opf passed the opportunity along to a child in the Early Childhood Program at Martha’s Vineyard Community Services.
Best friends Mya Perez and her cousin Christian Turner, both five years old and huge dog lovers, will lead the parade with dog marshall Reggie Orcutt, a five-year-old Norwich Terrier owned by Greg and Mary Orcutt and Nico, Meaghan, and Ele Esposito. Dog marshall Reggie, a show champion, is an expert at leading parades and a major kid zealot.
Saturday’s event will host an array of talented Island residents from several different professions. Kate Feiffer, noted Island children’s book author, will read selections of her books to children in attendance, and Lisa Vanderhoop, creator of the Seadog calendar, will be ready with her camera. The Reverend Jeff Winter, pastor of the Faith Community Church, accompanied by his wife Judy and their Westie Aspen, will invoke a blessing. The parade will be followed by the last band concert of the summer season by the Vineyard Haven Band.
Last year’s event was a success and was championed by news media (clips can be found on YouTube via gooddoggoods.com). This year’s parade will be filmed by MVTV for broadcast on local TV. Water for the dogs will be donated by Chilmark Spring Water and pick-up bags as well as organic dog treats will be provided for by the event’s sponsor, Good Dog Goods. Don’t miss this exciting walk around the park.
No pre-registration is necessary, just show up for the parade. For more information, contact Kerry Scott of Good Dog Goods at 508-696-7100 or email gooddoggoods@gmail.com.
