Rescue Dog Chosen as Grand Marshal for Pet Parade on Sept. 29

A rescue dog named Penny has been chosen as the Grand Marshal of the 15th annual Burlingame Pet Parade on Saturday, September 29.

Penny is a certified therapy dog assisting her owner, psychotherapist Marialena Malejan-Roussere, in her practice in San Mateo. The 2-1/2-year-old Goldendoodle will ride in a chauffeured classic convertible with Sophia Dugoni, 13, who will star as Annie in the upcoming production of “Annie” by the Pied Piper Players. Sophia is a lifelong Burlingame resident who attends Our Lady of Angels School. The Pied Piper Players are currently rehearsing for their November 9-18 performances of the musical at the Bayside Performing Arts Center in San Mateo.

The family-friendly Burlingame Pet Parade will begin at 10 a.m. on Broadway in Burlingame. Nearly 3,000 people, including more than 1,000 pet owners and their pets dressed in wild and crazy costumes, are expected for this year’s parade.

Pet owners who wish to march with their pets must report by 9:30 a.m. to the parking lot near Broadway and Chula Vista Avenue. There is no charge to participate.

All public and private schools in San Mateo County that serve students from kindergarten through 12th grade will be eligible to complete in the “Best School Float” competition. The winning school will receive a check for $500 and the second-place winner will receive $250 from the Broadway Merchants Association. School groups must register in advance by contacting Ayn Gilmore at AVR Realty in Burlingame at ayn@avrr.com or calling or (650) 342-2073.

Tots from First Presbyterian Church Preschool in Burlingame will lead the parade. Every participant will receive a souvenir ribbon. Fancy ribbons will be awarded for the Best Pet Trick; Most Unusual Pet; Best Dressed Pet; and Most Original Float, Group or Wagon (non-school category). The Grand Prize winner will receive a special prize. Judging takes place immediately after the parade at Broadway and Capuchino Avenue.

A “float” can be as simple as a decorated bicycle, wagon or kiddie car. Only non-motorized floats are eligible and each float must include at least one pet. No political entries are permitted, but all types of pets are welcome. Children without pets are encouraged to bring stuffed animals. Groups are encouraged to identify themselves with a banner or sign.

The Burlingame Mothers’ Club, Art Attack of Burlingame, the Burlingame Lions “Leos” teen group and the Burlingame Youth Advisory Commission will offer free art projects for children.

This year’s parade is sponsored by the Broadway Merchants Association, the City of Burlingame, the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA, Pet Food Express, In Sync Realty, the Daily Journal, Korody Business Services and Colorprint.

Participants will strut to the music of the Burlingame High School Band and the Los Trancos Woods Community Marching Band, and they will be entertained before and after the parade by the San Mateo Elks Concert Band.

Broadway businesses will join in the festivities, hosting sidewalk sales and special promotions.

The parade was started in 2004 by a group of volunteers to promote community spirit. It is entirely supported by volunteers and community donations.

The parade will march up Broadway from Chula Vista to Capuchino Avenue, where it will turn right and circle back down Broadway. The entire parade consists of a leisurely stroll that lasts about 30 minutes and is less than three-fourths of a mile.

Water stations will be provided for pets.

For more information, including a map of the parade route and photos of previous parades, see www.burlingamepetparade.com, or call (650) 342-2073.