About the Parade
Hundreds of pets and their owners dressed in outrageous and fanciful costumes are expected to take part in the seventh annual Burlingame Pet Parade on Broadway on Saturday, September 25, beginning at 10 a.m. For the first time, it will feature a “Best Pet Trick” contest and will award a ribbon to the “Most Unusual Pet.”
Sponsored by the Broadway Merchants Association, the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA and the Daily Journal, the parade will be led by a contingent of tots and families who belong to the Burlingame Mothers Club. Participants will strut to the music of the Burlingame High School Band and the Los Trancos Woods Community Marching Band, and they will be entertained before and after the parade by the Burlingame Show Choir and the San Mateo Elks Concert Band.
A clown will make free balloon animals, and children will be invited to complete art projects. The Peninsula Humane Society’s animal rescue and control van and its mobile spay and neuter unit will be available for inspection.
Pet owners who wish to march with their pets must report by 9:30 a.m. to the parking lot near Broadway and Chula Vista, across from the Wells Fargo Bank. There is no charge to participate and no registration is required.
Immediately following the parade, pet owners will be invited to compete in a “Best Pet Trick” contest, with the winner receiving a gift basket from Pet Food Express valued at $200, tailored to the type of pet. Ribbons will be awarded to the Best Dressed Pet, Best Dressed Pet-Owner Combo, Most Unusual Pet and Most Original Float or Group. The Grand Prize winner will receive a professional pet portrait valued at $450 from Pet Food Express that will be displayed at the store of the owner’s choice for six month.
Souvenir ribbons will be given to all participants as they exit the parade.
The parade was started in 2004 by a group of volunteers who wanted to promote community spirit. It is entirely supported by volunteers and community donations. Previous parades have featured various dogs dressed as a devil, motorcycle rider, a ballerina, a race car driver, an angel, a jester, hula dancers and pirates. Pets entered have included alpacas, cats, rabbits, hamsters, mice, rats, chickens, birds, snakes, lizards and a miniature pony.
A float can be a decorated bicycle, wagon or kiddie car. No political entries are permitted, but all types of pets are welcome. Children without pets are encouraged to bring stuffed animals. Entries must be operated by foot power only, unless special arrangements are made. Groups are encouraged to identify themselves with a banner or sign.
The parade will march up Broadway to Capuchino, where it will turn right and circle back down Broadway. The entire parade consists of a leisurely stroll that lasts about 30 minutes.
Water stations (kiddie pools filled with water) will be provided for pets. Human participants are encouraged to bring their own water.
The final judging will take place in front of the parade review stand immediately following the parade.
Last year, more than 1,000 spectators watched 450 participants and their pets march in the parade.