There are not a lot of things cuter than dogs in costumes. On Saturday, December 3rd at 3pm come enjoy doggies dressed as everything from “Santa Bernards” to “Reindeer Rottweilers” at the annual Fanny Mae Memorial Reindog Parade. This adorable annual event features dressed-up pets and their owners in a variety of holiday fashions on parade in downtown St. Joe.
The Reindog Parade started in 1998 as a way to celebrate Animal Aid of Southwestern Michigan’s dog and cat adoption day, which traditionally happened on that same day. Animal Aid has continued the tradition with an added twist this year by hosting a Holiday Open House on parade day from 12:00pm to 3:00p at the Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Library in a way that supports the organization in an expanded and impactful way.
“We will have a lot more ways that people can support our work like a silent auction with items donated by local companies like Whirlpool and gift certificates from area merchants and local restaurants. We will be taking donations for Animal Aid and will have our t-shirts available for sale. We also will be selling handmade jewelry for holiday gifts, dog toys and a memory tree where people can buy ornaments in memory of pets they have had in the past. All the money we make goes to the animals. We are an all-volunteer organization so we can give what we make to the animals and organization,” says Animal Aid Executive Director Becky Cooper. “These funds will also help fund crisis intervention to help individuals who are homeless with animals or need to shelter their animals, as well as provide help for seniors who want to keep their pets in their home.”
Amy Zapal, executive director of St. Joe Todays says, “The Reindog Parade is one of the cutest days in downtown St. Joe! This is a community and staff favorite event that also marks the arrival of Santa.”
Santa will arrive at the end of the Reindog Parade and children will be able to share their wish lists with him until 7:00p at his St. Joe location on the corner of State & Pleasant Streets. Santa will be available to hear children’s wish lists and take holiday photos on weekends in December. His ‘office hours’ are Thursdays and Fridays 4:00p-6:00p, Saturdays 12:00p-5:00p and Sundays 1:00p-5:00p. Special hours will also be offered on December 21, 22 and 23 from 12:00p-5:00p.
The Reindog Parade and Santa’s arrival is part of Downtown St. Joe’s Merry and Bright Weekend. St Joe Today has a full weekend planned with holiday activities and events. The weekend begins with the annual lighting of the city Christmas tree and holiday light display at Light up the Bluff on Friday, December 2. At 6:00pm. The evening will begin with the St. Joseph High School Choir singing Christmas carols followed by the tree lighting at 6:30p. Then, one million holiday lights will transform Lake Bluff Park into a winter wonderland viewable daily between 5:30a-8:30a and 5:30p-midnight through February 15.
Immediately following the tree lighting, visitors can stroll downtown and enjoy Window Wonderland. Downtown storefronts will participate in this holiday window decorating contest from 7:00p-8:30p. Attendees can vote for their favorite windows at stjoetoday.com/vote beginning at 7:00p Friday, December 2 until 11:59p Sunday, December 4.
Registration for the Reindog Parade is open right now. Pre-register in person at the St. Joe Today offices at 301 State Street or online at stjoetoday.com/reindog. The cost is $5 a pet with additional pets being $3 each.
By Julee Laurent
MOTM Contributor
