Burlingame Pet Parade (and Free Ice Cream) Coming Saturday

Contributed by Terry Nagel:

In honor of the Burlingame Pet Parade’s 10th anniversary this Saturday (Sept. 28), all children who turn 10 in 2013 will receive a free ice cream cone from Preston’s Candy that day. The 10-year-olds should report with their parents to the Information Booth at Broadway and Chula Vista Avenue to receive a ticket for a free cone.

The parade, which will start at 10 a.m. on Broadway in Burlingame, features hundreds of owners and pet dressed in wild and crazy costumes. Among those marching this year will be a team of miniature horses, service puppies from Canine Angels, a Burlingame police dog, the Burlingame High School Band and the Los Trancos Woods Community Marching Band. A Cub Scout color guard and tots from Village Park Preschool will lead the parade.

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 Avenue. There is no charge to participate.

Every participant will receive a souvenir ribbon. Fancy ribbons will be awarded for the Best Pet Trick; Most Unusual Pet; Best Dressed Pet; and Most Original Float, Group or Wagon. The Grand Prize winner will receive a professional pet portrait valued at $450 from Pet Food Express in Burlingame. Judging will take place immediately after the parade at the corner of Broadway and Capuchino.

The parade offers lots of free activities for children, including art projects, face painting and balloon animals. A map of the parade is available at http://bit.ly/St6lwk. A photo exhibit of past Pet Parades will be on display at the main Burlingame Public Library until Friday.

Broadway merchants will be offering special promotions and sidewalk sales. Preston’s Candy will have Chocolate Education Tours on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1170 Broadway.

The parade was started in 2004 by a group of volunteers to promote community spirit. It is entirely supported by volunteers and community donations.

This year’s parade is sponsored by the Broadway Merchants Association, the City of Burlingame, the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA, Pet Food Express, the Daily Journal, the Alan Canas Team of Realtors, Korody Business Services and Lily’s Legacy Senior Dog Sanctuary.

The parade will march up Broadway from Chula Vista 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.

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.

Water stations will be provided for pets. Local Boy Scouts will sell water for $1 a bottle to raise funds for troop activities. 

For more information, see www.burlingamepetparade.com.