Pet Parade and Street Fair a Howlin' Good Time

attracted hundreds of pet owners to the borough Saturday, with festival-goers traveling from as far as Youngstown and East Liverpool, OH to attend.

"I love it," said Melissa Legler of Hopewell Township, who attended with her 235-pound English Mastiff Toby and her pup Shadow.

Saturday marked the third annual Sewickley Unleashed parade and street fair, a pet-friendly fundraiser benefitting the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society. In addition to a pet parade, the event included vendors, music and entertainment, food and activities.The annual event is presented by Village Green Partners.

For Kathleen Sheehan of Ross Township and her best friend Corinn Coposky of Sewickley, it was the third year that they brought their pets to march in the parade and enjoy a good time.

Sheehan dressed her dog Victoria as a bride while Coposky’s pup Buddy was dressed as a groomsman with Pittsburgh Steelers flair.

“I just love it. It’s so much fun. Victoria looks forward to it every year,” Sheehan said.

Decked out in costumes, proud pet owners with their animals in tow, marched through streets lined with onlookers, showing off a range of sizes and breeds in fun and creative costumes.

After the parade, Gary Vlachos, owner of , and also a licensed AKC judge, awarded prizes in four categories. The winners were announced by WTAE’s Sally Wiggin, who received a surprise as one of the dog’s dressed up in her likeness.  

Parade Winners:

Best Costume: Donna Summer (Frodo) with owner Amy Krut of Ross Township

Best Doggie Family: the Steeler family

Best Float: Winston and Goodman with owner Kim Wimmer of Moon Township

Best in Parade: Sally Waggin' (Charlie) with owner Sonya Lindgren of Sewickley (note: Sally Waggin is Charlie, who also won the most votes in the Pets of Sewickley dog contest).

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