Kids invited to sign up for Laurel Festival pet parade in June | News, Sports, Jobs

Children, 12 and under are invited to preregister their favorite pet for the 2025 Laurel Festival Pet Parade by noon on Friday, June 6 to win fun prizes on June 15.

According to a news release, children also are invited to decorate their bikes and join in the fun. Individuals and groups are welcome.

The Laurel Festival Pet Parade, sponsored by Dr. Kristine Shaw of the Grand Canyon Veterinary Hospital at 23 Water St., Wellsboro, is being held on Sunday, June 15 at 1:30 p.m. It’s free.

“A favorite pet can be a cat, dog, guinea pig, turtle, goat, lamb, horse, cow or whatever each youngster has,” the news release said.

Each child entering a pet or a decorated bike has to fill out a registration form to participate in the parade. Only one pet or bike per child or adult will be judged.

Children, accompanied by an adult and their favorite pet or a decorated bike, will gather for judging in the Packer Park picnic area behind the Wellsboro Active Living Center (senior center) parking lot on Queen Street, the news release said.. They are asked to be there no later than 12:25 p.m. on June 15. Judging will begin promptly at 12:30 p.m.

The parade will form on Queen Street and begin at 1:30 p.m. traveling from Queen onto Main Street to The Green where ribbons and prizes will be given out while supplies last, the news release said.

Also presented at The Green will be special awards in 21 different categories. The 18 award categories with 6 for dogs, 6 for cats and 6 for miscellaneous pets are: best dressed, prettiest, most imaginative, most intelligent, most lovable and best in parade. The 3 bike award categories are: prettiest, most imaginative and best in parade. Two trophies will be preented, one to the entry selected to receive the Dr. Shaw Award and the other to the entry named Overall Best in Parade.

Pick up or fill out a pet parade registration form at the chamber office at 114 Main St., Wellsboro, visit the chamber website at www.wellsboropa.com to download a form or email info@wellsboropa.com to request one. Questions? Call the chamber at 570-724-1926.