RULES & REGISTRATION

COST​

• The prices below include the COSTUME CONTEST AND PARADE registration. All registrants are required to walk in the parade, but the costume contest is optional.

• INDIVIDUALS - $25 for 1 dog and up to 5 handlers (No business promotion)

• OLD MANDEVILLE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION MEMBERS - $10 for 1 dog and up to 5 handlers (No business promotion)

• WALKING BUSINESS PARTICIPANTS - $150 for 1 dog and up to 5 handlers;
  Permitted to display business branding as a part of their float and/or decorations, and throw promotional items

• Only sponsors and nonprofits are permitted to throw branded items to promote their business or organization. CLICK HERE for sponsorship information. We have sponsorship packages for all budgets!

• If you are an animal rescue nonprofit, please CLICK HERE for additional rates and opportunities to showcase your organization.
   

REGISTRATION

• Participants are encouraged to register in advance online to save time. 

• On-site registration for the COSTUME CONTEST AND PARADE is from 10AM-12PM at the end of Lakeshore Drive near the Lakefront Splash Park.

• Please note that participants who pre-registered online must also pick up their registration packet at this location.
   

COSTUME CONTEST

• Costume Contest participants must be pre-registered and arrive at the Pontchartrain Yacht Club by 11:45AM to participate.

• This year's parade theme is "Dressed to the #9s," so dogs and their owners are encouraged to come in Saints or LSU football theme.

• Participants will be reviewed by a panel of celebrity judges, and the winners will be recognized in the following categories: 

  • ​1/2.  King and Queen: Best male/female dog in theme
    3. Best Dressed Duo: Best owner/pet look alike
    4. Most Creative Float
    5. Pack Pick: Best coordination of costumes with dog, float and group of walkers

• Contest winners will also receive an award and will be recognized in the parade.

• Participants will be judged according to their creativity and adherence with the parade theme "Dressed to the #9s." Registrants who are not in costume or who do not adhere to the theme will not be able to participate in the contest.

• Celebrity judges include former Saints player Michael Mauti, jewelry designer Jose Balli, and Chef Pat Gallagher.
   

WALKING PARADE

• Registered dogs and their human escorts must be lined up at the parade starting point near the Lakefront Splash Park by 1:45PM.

• All dogs participating in the parade must be costumed or decorated in adherence with the theme. Human escorts are encouraged to be in costume as well.

• Non-motorized, decorated floats are permitted (shopping carts, wagons, strollers, etc.).

• Non-profane music is permitted on floats. 

• This is a WALKING parade. Motorized floats, bicycles, etc. are prohibited, as we do not want to spook the animals.

• Participants cannot promote their business on their float, costumes or throws unless they are a sponsor.
   

PARADE THROWS

• Parade walkers are encouraged to bring throws (beads, dog treats, cups, animal-themed items, etc.)

• No business-branded throws will be permitted unless the participant is a sponsor.

• Any throws that could harm dogs (chocolate, etc.) are prohibited.
   

OTHER RULES

• All animals in the parade and costume contest MUST be on a leash for their own protection and the protection of other attendees.

• Distasteful, profane or inappropriate displays are prohibited.

• Animals must be fully vaccinated, and owners will be required to sign a waiver stating that their pets are current on shots.

• We strive to create a safe and fun event for families. Therefore, aggressive animals are NOT permitted anywhere on site.

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