Submitted by Kathie Ono

Fairhope, Ala. –“Let the Good Dogs Roll” and roll they did on Saturday, February 26 in Fairhope at The Haven’s 8th annual Mystic Mutts of Revelry Parade. The weather was the best it has ever been in those eight years. Everyone gathered at Fairhoper’s Park where they registered, took lots of photos, met new friends, listened to Louis Franklin and his band, and generally had a great time. Grand Marshals Cherish Lombard and Joe Emer from Fox Studio 10 introduced the Royal Mutts who strutted their stuff before the assembled crowd prior to mounting their float. Promptly at 2:30, the festivities began. 409 people over 12 and approximately 350 dogs – and one cat – went through downtown Fairhope. As they walked through the streets of Fairhope, the revelers and their human companions showed off their costumes of feathers, beads, sequins, as well as masks. The arrival of two floats brought the fun-filled parade to an end. The Royal Float consisted of the Majestic Mutts. The Emblem Float held the royals, King, Queen and other titled mutts, pulled by a Honda vehicle loaned for the occasion by the lead sponsor of the event, Tameron Honda. Other sponsors who contributed to the successful day were 1st National Bank of Baldwin County, Go Play Pet Service, and Optera Creative.

While the count is not yet official, it looks like the event generated close to $12,000 for the adoption guarantee shelter. All this will go towards The Haven’s continuous efforts to take care of the abandoned, abused and neglected animals that come through their doors.

Mystic Mutts of Revelry Mardi Gras Parade from The Fairhope Courier on Vimeo.