Registration is open for the Aurora Pooch Parade set for 11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 3, at Phillips Park Sunken Garden, 1000 Ray Moses Drive in Aurora.
The grand marshal for this year’s parade is Heidi, a toy poodle that won the Crowd Favorite Award at the Aurora Pooch Parade in 2019, according to a press release from the city of Aurora. She will be accompanied by her owner, Debi Nolte.
Participants will be eligible to compete for the following awards at the parade: Crowd Favorite, Biggest Dog, Smallest Dog, Best Aurora Pride, Best Costume, Best Smile, Most Energetic and Twinsies.
This year’s guest judges are Dr. Diana Campos, veterinarian at VCA Animal Hospital; Veronica Trujillo, owner of Hairy Beast Dog Pawlour; and Anna Payton, manager of Aurora Animal Care and Control.
The event will also feature a family-friendly DJ, demonstrations by the Disc Doggers, food for sale by Dick’s Mini Donuts and Dapper Brews Coffee, and several adoptable dogs currently available at Aurora Animal Care and Control, city officials said.
Owners can register their dog online through Sept. 30 at www.aurora-il.org/PoochParade. All participants must be socialized, standard-leashed and current on all vaccinations.
