Join the parade
SAXONBURG — Many flocked to Main Street for Tuesday's Pet Parade which featured costumed pets including dogs, goats and even a skunk.
Jessica Pittman and her boys, Gavin and Bryce, all of Saxonburg, were getting their dog Fritzy and bunny Daisy May ready for the annual parade of pets.
Pittman said this was the first year they've participated. She said they've watched the parade before and seen the advertisements for it.
Bryce said the parade had a lot of dogs, which he was excited about.
Gavin said he likes to see all the different animals and the wagons that some of them ride in.
“Look at their habitat,” Gavin said, pointing at a wagon decorated as a semi truck.
Megan Gracie of Saxonburg and her family were on the fence about participating because their dogs were a little barky on Tuesday, but they were planning to spectate anyway.
“This is our first time spectating or participating,” Gracie said. “We're just animal lovers, so we wanted to come see.”
The parade kicked off with a few vehicles in the lead, with passengers tossing treats to scattering children.
About 50 yards behind the vehicles marched a wave of costumed animals and owners intermeshed into a moving mass.
Dogs dressed in T-shirts, a horse with crayon drawn on its sides, and a skunk that needed no decoration all drew the fascination of many in the crowd.
The parading participants were a mixture of conventional pets, farm animals and non-traditional pets, all of which were well behaved.As the parade ended, participants and spectators meandered back toward the carnival, which had been open an hour before the parade and would continue until 11 p.m.Jason Kemper, an EMT for the Saxonburg Volunteer Fire Company, said everyone was still settling in on Tuesday, but there was a lot of excitement for this year's activities, including the carnival rides and food vendors.“It's family-friendly,” he said.Vicky and Dan Schiebel of Saxonburg followed their grandson Landon Negley to the carnival rides.Landon climbed the steps to a spinning ride, something Vicky Schiebel said is really special.“For me it's watching him ride rides. This is the first time he's been on this thing,” she said.“I'd say it's priceless,” Dan Schiebel said.Vicky Schiebel pulled out her cell phone. She recorded video as Landon came and went from view.“See that smile on his face. Can't forget that smile,” she said, pointing to Landon as he spun round and round.
The Saxonburg Carnival continues through Saturday. Here are some events:Daily: Carnival open from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.Wednesday: Kids' matinee, 1 to 5 p.m.; Water Battle, 7 p.m.; Petite Miss and Junior Miss Saxonburg Pageants, 7 p.m.Thursday: Fireman's Parade, 6:30 p.m.Friday: Little Miss and Miss Saxonburg Pageants, 7 p.m.Saturday: Raffle drawing, 11 p.m.
