"Mr. Big" takes a rest in Market Square after the 2009 "Mardi Growl Dog Parade" in downtown Knoxville.
For many people that old saying "love me, love my dog" is no cliche. It's a fact of life. Next weekend there's a downtown Knoxville event geared to canines and the people who love them.
The fourth annual Knoxville Mardi Growl is 11 a.m.-2 p.m. March 5 in downtown Knoxville.
The event is a fundraiser for Young-Williams Animal Center, and it's sponsored by the center and the city of Knoxville. It includes a parade for dogs and pet-focused events and is held rain or shine.
The canine costume parade is at 11 a.m. Dogs must be registered to participate. Day-of-event registration starts at 9 a.m. March 5 at the PetSafe Downtown Dog Park, at the corner of Summit Hill Drive and Central Street. Registration is $15 per pooch.
The parade begins at the dog park and continues through the Old City to Gay Street before ending at Market Square.
The parade has its own grand marshal, and this year's leader of the pack is an adorable mixed breed dog who captured the hearts of many people in East Tennessee and around the world. Now called Sasha Brown, but better known as "Little Brown Dog"; the animal was badly injured after being dragged behind a pickup truck in November 2009. The 17-pound animal became known for her fighting spirit and her trust in her caregivers at the University of Tennessee Veterinary Medical Center. Now recovered and adopted, the animal who enjoys running and playing with other dogs will lead the Mardi Growl procession.
Prizes will be given to parade canine contestants in such categories as best costume and congeniality. There's also a pet-owner look-alike competition and the "Naked Dog Award" for the animal without a costume that is deemed most handsome.
Post-parade festivities at Market Square start at noon and continue until 2 p.m. At the square there'll be $10 microchip identification services and rabies vaccinations. Animal rescue groups and vendors of pet-related products also will have booths.
Owners of deceased pets who would like to remember their furry friends can have their animals' names added to the Young-Williams' "Rainbow Bridge" memorial for $10. The memorial bridge also will be in Market Square during Mardi Growl.
Last year 350 pets and their humans attended Mardi Growl.
© 2011, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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