Holiday Lights Dog Parade at Botanical Gardens to Crown Best Doggie Vocals, Costumes

The following is a news release from the county of Pinellas: 

The annual Holiday Lights Dog Parade is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 1, at the Florida Botanical Gardens. 

Doggie revelers will don costumes and strut their stuff for fun and prizes. The parade begins at 2 p.m., with registration from 1 to 1:45 p.m. in the Florida Botanical Gardens parking lot.

Canine competitors will be judged in the following categories:

• Best Costume
• Best Adult
• Best Puppy
• Best Senior
• Most Glamorous
• Best Vocal Performance

Judges for the competition include Dr. David Tollen of Oakhurst Veterinary & Kennels, Dr. Jennifer Saez of Animal Care Clinic of Largo and David Parhill, Hills Science Food Diet.

Registration is $10 and is open to the first 100 dogs. Proceeds go to support the Florida Botanical Gardens. A gift bag and certificate will be awarded to each dog that is registered.  The registration form can be found on line at www.flbg.org or forms will be available on site the day of the event. For more information about registration or the event, please call (727) 582-2247.

The Foundation will also be selling dog collars, dog leashes and dog collar lights that light up for nighttime safety.

The event is sponsored by the Florida Botanical Garden Foundation, Oakhurst Veterinary & Kennels, the Animal Care Clinic of Largo, Largo Feed, Pets Unlimited and Bluff’s Animal Hospital.

The Florida Botanical Gardens, located at 12520 Ulmerton Road in Largo, showcases gardens of tropical plants, roses, fruits, herbs, hibiscus, bromeliads and more. The gardens are open every day from 7 a.m. until dusk.  Admission is free during daylight hours. For more information about the Florida Botanical Gardens, visit www.flbg.orgor call (727) 582-2100.