On Sunday, Sept. 19, Williamsburg will
celebrate its 18th annual Parade and Dog Show.
The parade, which will start at noon at the BQE Pet Store and
Brooklyn Animal Resource Coalition (BARC) shelter at 253 Wythe
Ave. on the corner of North First Street, ends at McCarren Park,
at Bedford Avenue and North 12th Street.
Following the parade, the dog show will get underway in McCarren
Park. Among the highlights are a best-dressed dog contest – this
year’s theme is the "Wild Wow West," see Troy, pictured
– and even a dog and human kissing contest. Winners receive goodie
bags containing treats and toys donated by BARC’s sponsors.
According to coordinator Shelley Bernstein, the event draws 1,000
to 2,000 people every year.
Vinny Spinola, an employee at the BARC Shelter, confirms that
celebrity pet lovers can also be expected at the event; at press
time, Broadway actress Ellie McKay and WABC-TV’s weatherman Dave
Brown will be among them.
Expect a lot of people and definitely plenty of dogs at this
five-hour, outdoor event. There will also be children’s games
at the pooch party.
According to employee Debbie Williams, opportunities to adopt
dogs will be available throughout the afternoon.
The event is free and open to the public. The BARC is a not-for-profit,
no-kill animal shelter. For more information, call BARC at (718)
486-7489 or visit its Web site at www.barcshelter.org.
– Gabriel Gonzalez
