Registration is open for the second annual Aurora Pooch Parade, set for 1 p.m. Sept. 8 at Phillips Park, 1000 Ray Moses Drive in Aurora.
Owners can register their dog online at www.aurora-il.org/PoochParade until Sept. 6. All dogs must be current on vaccinations, socialized and standard-leashed, city officials said.
The first 100 registrants are guaranteed a spot in the parade and are eligible to compete for the following awards: Crowd Favorite, Biggest Dog, Smallest Dog, Best Aurora Pride, Best Costume, Best Tail, Most Beautiful Eyes, Most Energetic and Twinsies (owner and dog).
A panel of community judges will cast the ballots, including special guest judges Little Miss Aurora Alaria Selmon and Little Mr. Aurora Benjamin Mendoza.
This year’s Pooch Parade grand marshal is Kovu, a 4-year-old, 100-pound Italian Mastiff. Kovu was the winner of the 2018 Crowd Favorite Award and Best Costume Award at last year’s parade.
Dogs available for adoption from Aurora Animal Care and Control will be onsite for viewing during the parade and guests are encouraged to bring donations to support the facility, including grain-free canned food and treats, small beds, shampoo, brushes and combs, fleece blankets and squeaky toys of all sizes.
The Aurora Pooch Parade will also include music, puppy pools, pet supply vendors and food trucks, event organizers said.
