Pooch Parade returns to Kildare town
Pooch Parade has become an annual favourite fun event in Kildare town square
THE annual Pooch Parade is to be held on the Square in Kildare town on Thursday (18 July).
“We normally run it as an event in Derby Festival but doing it as a standalone this year,” said organiser Cllr Suzanne Doyle.
“Pooch Parade has become an annual favourite fun event in the Kildare town square, where our canine friends get to strut their stuff,” she said.
“We have seven categories for entry and some dogs may be eligible to enter more than one category,” she explained.
There is the ‘Downton Abbey’ category for the pure-bred, upper-crust dogs, ‘Kardashians’ for the hybrid pooches who are aesthetically irresistible, and ‘Rescue Rovers’ for re-homed dogs who are loyal and loving creatures.
There is also ‘Dolly Mixtures’ for dogs of unknown origin but cute nonetheless, and generally the smartest in the pack.
‘Puppies’ for dogs under one-year-old who are “always adorable”.
‘Golden Oldies’ for dogs over seven who are worldly-wise and have it all figured out.
And finally ‘Best Dressed’ for dogs who have a wardrobe, or owners who are creative and want to invent an outfit for their dog, “an eccentric lot who makes the world more fun and interesting”.
First prize for the event is a specially commissioned dog portrait by award-winning artist Lia Laimbock.
Martin Bailey from RTÉ's and breeder of beautiful Old English Sheep Dogs in Kilcullen is the judge for the evening.
Entries can be made on Eventbrite 'Pooch Parade Kildare 2024'.
“The event starts at 7pm and the long-term weather forecast is looking good," said Cllr Doyle.
"f you don't have a dog to enter, please come along for the spectacle and fun of the evening,” she concluded.
