Dogs on Parade in Northport

By Jess Piskor

Sun contributor

Fresh off the heels of Omena’s mayoral race (this year handily won by nine-year-old, long-haired calico cat named Sweet Tart McKee), Northport will host the 22nd annual Dog Parade on Aug. 11. This march through the village of Northport begins by the Old Mill Pond on 3rd Street and eventually winds its way down to the marina. 

All well-behaved people and dogs are encouraged to participate and no one is turned away. Registration starts at 9:30 a.m. on the day of the event and costs $10. By 11, the streets are shut down and the parade begins. The seniors-only Marching Grandmas often arrive in their finest beach attire and lead the procession down to the beach. Old, or just plain lazy, dogs are also welcome—many participants take advantage of Northport’s lenient traffic laws that allow golf carts on village roads. Pets and owners seeking to stay out of the spotlight will line the sidewalk and bark encouragement as the other canines go by.

Parade organizer Carly Campbell has been a participant from year one when her dog Ginger was declared the parade queen. ”Growing up in Northport and working in the town, I loved how everything would stop just to watch the dogs walk by.”

It is an event that is tongue firmly in cheek—unless of course panting is required to cool off. While all pets and humans are welcome, participants are encouraged to bedeck themselves according to the year’s theme. “The parade this year is dedicated to the late Piper the Airport K9 as the theme is “Dogs to the Rescue! Furrrrr-st Responder,” said Campbell.

Expect Dalmatians, other breeds dressed as Dalmatians, K9 units, and the occasional ambulance chaser. Fire hydrants beware! Awards and prizes are offered to the best owner/pet ensemble. A word from the wise: puns go a long way with the judges.

Some previous themes include 2017’s “Hairy Tales”, featuring poodles in dresses and terriers in shining armor; and “Bark Wars” in 2016, that saw Dog Vader and a whole slew of pooches sporting Princess Leia hairdos.

“This year myself and Will Harper tag-teamed the theme idea,” said Campbell. “It’s as simple as a few friends sitting around throwing out ideas and puns as to what would be a fun theme. The idea is to try and think of something that can be funny and punny but will also offer a lot of options for costume design for both dogs and humans.”

While Omena’s mayor is traditionally a guest of honor at the parade, this is the first year the mayorship has swung feline, effectively ending four terms of canine one-party-rule. Unfortunately, for obvious reasons, Mayor Mckee was not invited for fear the parade would become a mad dash.

“I think being the only cat among 50 or more dogs could be stressful and we don’t want that for our dear mayor,” said Campbell.

Omena’s “mayor” is elected as part of a yearly fundraiser for the Omena Historical Society. Locals and visitors alike donate one dollar per vote and cast their vote(s) every three years. Everyone is encouraged to vote in the most corrupt and Russian way imaginable: early and often. Fortunately, the money goes to a good cause and the only eligibility requirement is “non-humans only.” This year the election raised more than $7,000 and caught the attention of CNN, FOX News, and the Daily News in London.

The initial Dog Parade was started more than two decades ago by Northport local David Chrobak. The first parade was meant to celebrate the “Dog Days of Summer” and draw visitors to the village for a sidewalk sale. Eight participants gathered and the parade stretched to three whole blocks. After Chrobak stepped down a few years ago, other locals realized it was a vital part of the community’s character and a team of volunteers rose to the occasion and continued the tradition.  

This year, proceeds from the event will go to fund three local nonprofits: the Cherryland Humane Society; Black Sheep Crossing, which is a farm animal sanctuary in Northport; and Silver Muzzle Cottage, a rescue home for homeless old or terminally-ill dogs.

After the parade, people will mingle down at the park and doggie-paddle at the beach. Spry dogs and owners will show-off their tricks post-parade at a dog agility course with ramps, jumps and tunnels.

Visitors may wish to stay for the wine and food festival set up in Haserot Park. The Northport Wine and Craft Beer festival immediately follows the event and features snacks and drinks from local establishments. Still have your dog? Don’t leave Fido in the car; the entire event is dog friendly. Adult tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door and include four drink tickets and a souvenir glass. Proceeds go to the Northport and Omena Chamber of Commerce

Bring a doggie bag and a pooper-scooper.