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Community Corner

Gorton's Dog Day Parade

Every dog has his day, and that day is Saturday, May 10 as Gorton Community Center hosts the 1st annual Gorton Dog Day Parade.

Gorton’s Dog Day will celebrate our canine friends and families with food, music, dog experts and more. The bark of the town is of course the costumed dog parade, which will step off from Gorton at 9:30 a.m., promenade through town, around Market Square and back to Gorton.  Parade Marshall and Dog Day sponsor Michael Schreiber of L3 Capital, LLC said, “Gorton reflects this community’s camaraderie and energy, which all of our merchants in Market Square hold dear. We are proud to support what is sure to become one of the town’s best-loved events.”

Once the tail-wagging processional returns to Gorton, ribbons will be awarded to one small, one medium and one large dog in each of the categories of Best Costume and Best Owner/Dog Look-a-like. Parade goers will determine the most coveted prize, Top Dog, with the help of the Woof-o-Meter, custom made by Altounian Construction, Inc.

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Co-Chairs Susan Weninger  and Sarah Georgi agree that Gorton’s Dog Day Parade is a great way kick up our paws and get outdoors.  “I think the parade is a fun way to reach out to the community – especially after the winter we’ve had,” said “Weninger. “I have fond memories of doing theater productions at Gorton as a child, and Gorton’s Dog Day parade is a wonderful way for my children to experience what a vibrant town we live in.”

Merchants around town have joined the fun with dogged determination to vie for the “Best Doggone Shop Window.”  The winner, announced on May 3, will receive the blue ribbon and barking rights for the year. The celebration, located in Gorton’s west parking lot, will feature live music courtesy of stage sponsors and long-time dog enthusiasts Scotty Searle and Sue Dixon. Catering by Kenny will serve hot dogs and more.

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Pet rescues and adoption groups will be on hand, as will a variety of pet experts to discuss wellness, training and more. Brenda Belmonte, of Two Paws Up Dog Training and Gorton’s resident dog trainer will set up a fun agility course featuring a pause table, weave poles, a tunnel and K9 fitness equipment. 

“I am thrilled to be a part of Gorton’s Dog Day Parade, said Belmonte. “ It’s a great opportunity to help educate owners on responsible ownership, the importance of training, and how to build a relationship with their dog based on trust and mutual respect, not force, intimidation or fear. “

To register for the parade, go to www.gortoncenter.org or sign up parade day at Gorton, 9 a.m. Fees $5 per dog; Humans are free. All dogs in attendance must have proof of vaccination and must be leashed at all times. For more information, call Lisa Gilcrest at (847) 810-4102.

Gorton Community Center is a privately-funded, not-for-profit 501c3 organization which operates in partnership with volunteers and the City of Lake Forest to enrich the lives of its residents through cultural arts, education and charitable service. Gorton relies on the generosity of residents and businesses to help fund programs, services and building improvements offered in the historic building owned by the city. The gathering place in the heart of our community where people connect, converse, learn, listen, play & perform.





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