Rescheduled superhero-themed parade and expo includes costume and themed contests and silent auction
VENTURA — Animal welfare non-profit Canine Adoption and Rescue League (C.A.R.L.) will welcome canine superheroes and their owners to the 2023 Pooch Parade Dog Walk and Pet Expo on Sunday, September 24, at Ventura Harbor Village, 1583 Spinnaker Drive in Ventura on the grassy area. The expo starts at 10 a.m. and runs until 3 p.m. with the Parade starting at 1:15 p.m.
Image courtesy of Canine Adoption & Rescue League
With this year’s theme of “Superheroes,” participants will have opportunities to dress themselves and their dogs up as their favorite fictional comic book character. Canine contestants will be eligible for ribbons, prizes and a grand award going to the “Top Dog” of the Pooch Parade. The event will feature an emcee, Ken Vela, who served as emcee at the 2018 and 2019 Pooch Parades, vendors, a silent auction and a Frisbee demonstration with dogs. Major sponsors include Ohana Pet Hospital with offices in Ventura and Santa Paula and Boone Graphics in Goleta.
Image courtesy of Ken Vela MC
“We look forward again to welcoming canine aficionados from near and far,” said C.A.R.L. President Grace Cunningham. “Although Hurricane Hilary prevented us from hosting the Pooch Parade last month, we knew we had to reschedule it to support our adoptable dogs housed at our pet care center in Santa Paula.”
Cost to participate in the Pooch Parade costume contest is $50 for an individual walker with dog(s) and $180 for a four-person team and $40 per person over four team members with dog(s). Booth participation costs are $50 for a non-profit vendor booth and $100 for a regular vendor booth. Contact Sharon Clark atinfo@carldogs.org to inquire about sponsorships.
Visiting pooches not participating in the Parade can enter other separate, fun contests and are eligible for ribbon awards.
Additional activities include:
- A silent auction to benefit C.A.R.L.
- Rubber ducks in pools
- Musical chairs for dogs
- And a Frisbee demonstration
The parade was initially scheduled to occur on August 20, 2023, but potential flash flooding and high wind at Ventura Harbor from Hurricane Hilary prompted C.A.R.L. to reschedule the event to a later date. C.A.R.L. hosted its last Pooch Parade in 2019; activities were halted over the past four years due to the pandemic.
Who is C.A.R.L.
C.A.R.L. is located in Ventura County, California and primarily serves Ventura County dogs. Because of our lifetime commitment to our dogs, we have a preference to place dogs locally so we are available to them if needed. We rely on donations and do not receive government, state or city funding. We operate almost entirely by volunteers.
Canine Adoption and Rescue League (C.A.R.L.) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit all breed, no-kill dog rescue and adoption organization. Since 1996, C.A.R.L. has rescued and placed thousands of unwanted, sick, abandoned and homeless dogs. Dogs in our adoption program are placed in pre-screened, loving and secure homes. We make a lifetime commitment to all of our dogs.