Pup participants walked the red carpet in front of the Pawawsee Dog Parade judges.

Text and Photos
By Marissa Sweatland
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — Chautauqua Wawasee hosted its fur-st ever Pawasee Dog Parade today, Saturday, June 22 at Oakwood Resort. For being the events inaugural year, it still drew in large crowds of community members and their four-legged best friends.

Nearly 40 pups participated in the parade with their humans. The event was free but participants were welcome and encouraged to make a $15. All the money raised today will be donated to New Hope Pet Rescue, a Syracuse-based animal rescue.

The parade followed a one-quarter mile route throughout the grounds of Oakwood Resort. The parade began promptly at noon.

Parade participants decorated carts, wagons, strollers and leashes. Many dogs were also dressed to impressed, costumes included a lion, a French artisté, sailors, underwater sea life and an M&M. An award ceremony commenced after the parade. Categories included Best Dressed, Best Trick and Best Tail Wag.

The Best Trick Award was presented by Mark Knecht, president of Chautauqua Wawasee, and Dave Wilkinson, Syracuse town manager. Arnie, dressed as an M&M, was awarded the prestigious award for his firm handshake. Other tricks in the running were playing dead, roll over and a few other handshakes.

Kay Young, president of Wawasee Property Owners Association, and Martha Stoelting, Syracuse Wawasee Historical Museum, presented the Best Tail Wag Award to Daisy Woodard, who donned her finest tutu for the special occasion.

“I do not think I have seen her tail stop wagging since she has gotten here!” Young remarked, giving Daisy a well-deserved, congratulatory pat on the head.

Sue Pais, executive editor of LAKElife magazine, presented the coveted Best Dressed Award. Pais had a tough decision to make, but ultimately decided sailor Reese, and her human, Adalyn Korenstra, were the best dressed.

In addition to watching the pup parade, there were many other activities to enjoy. Special O.P.S. K-9 Academy was performing obedience demonstration as well as showing off a couple tricks, such as sit, lay down and stay. Zeus also showed off his recall skills where he would release his grip on a “perpetrator’s” arm with just one word from his trainer. The perpetrator was played by Heath, master trainer at Special O.P.S. K-9 Academy. The academy also ran a booth at the event that provided dog grooming ideas and handed out dog fro-yos for all the good girls and boys.

Syracuse’s own New Hope Pet Rescue was there to educate community members about its efforts to rescue dogs and cats and place them into loving homes. They also provided knowledge to multiple community members how they can adopt a pet.

At Syracuse-Wawasee Trails’ booth, community members learned information about the community’s dog-friendly trail system. A local dog biscuit maker, Becca DeGraw, sold homemade dog treats, made of peanut butter, oats and bananas.

Oakwood Resort partnered with Tito’s Vodka for the event to sponsor a pop-up bar that matched their proceeds to support New Hope Pet Rescue. At the bar, there was also dog tag engraving.

Considering the overwhelming success of the first ever Pawasee Dog Parade, Syracuse might have found a new tradition. To stay up-to-date with Chautauqua Wawasee events and happenings, click here.