Gorton's Dog Day Parade a Howling Success!

It was a picture-perfect day, as more than 60 costumed dogs and 300 of their humans stepped off from Gorton Saturday morning for the first annual Gorton’s Dog Day Parade. Led by the Navy Band Great Lakes Brass Band “Sousa-Palooza” families and their furry friends bounded, pranced and pawed their way to Market Square where merchants had decorated their windows in celebration of our canine companions.
The Navy band stopped along the way regaling bystanders and participants alike with song and dance as judges determined the best costumes in small, medium and large dog and group categories. Once back at Gorton, parade goers enjoyed donuts and brats from Catering by Kenny, and had the chance to take their dogs through an obstacle course courtesy of Two Paws Up Dog Training. Dog clubs and rescue groups were on hand to offer advice on everything from dog care to which breed of dog might be best suited to family homes. There were even a few potential love connections made for dogs looking for that forever home.
Fifi, aka Gorton’s Events Coordinator Krista Hanson and the Mutt Master, John Dick, used the Woof-o-Meter to determine which dog was the crowd favorite – the Top Dog. First-place costume ribbons were awarded to the Dinzburg Family’s Cookie, Kathleen Pope’s Cleopatra, Nikki Zehel’s Stella, August Silver’s Kipper, Melissa Skinner’s Sydney, Jim Skinner’s Guiness, The King Family’s Petunia, and Cheryl Ashlee’s Penny. In the end, the Top Dog of the day was Penny, from the large-dog group, dressed as a ladybug.
“We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day for our first annual Gorton’s Dog Day Parade,” said Event Co-Chair Sarah Georgi. “Our goal was to bring the community together for some good old-fashioned family time, and judging from all the smiling faces and wagging tails, I’d say the day was an overwhelming success!”
Gorton’s Executive Director Brenda Dick agreed and added, “Dog Day was is a community effort from our parade sponsor Michael Schreiber and L3 Capital to Altounian Construction who built our Woof-o-Meter to Sue Dixon and Scotty Searle who sponsored our stage, and then volunteered their time. More than 50 volunteers made this celebration a big hit. Join us in May 2015!”
Several City of Lake Forest Departments including the Police and Public Works were instrumental in the parade’s success. “We are fortunate to live in a town where the City is such an enthusiastic partner with our residents and businesses,” said Co-Chair Susan Weninger.
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.