Dog days of summer parade held downtown

By Jacob Hatcher 

Photos by Justin Powell  

Dogs of all sizes, breeds, and pedigrees and their owners gathered at Earth Park in downtown Hartselle Saturday for the Downtown Hartselle Business Leagues first annual Dog Daze of Summer Pet Parade. Sponsored by Newman Veterinary Research Hospital, the event is designed to provide an opportunity for dog owners to show off their pets and have an opportunity to win door prizes and ribbons. 

“We really wanted to give folks with dogs that may not be ready for the American Kennel Club a chance to be proud of their pets,” DHBL board member Connie Pearson said. “Your dog might be a rescue mut, but they could win the Floppiest Ear or Fluffiest Coat award.”  

The Downtown Hartselle Business League also hopes to get people downtown to increase foot traffic and create awareness of downtown businesses.  

“We hope people will come early and get breakfast at Main Street Bakery or stay after and do some shopping,” Pearson said. “Downtown has a lot to offer and we really hope the pet parade will be another opportunity for people to get downtown and see what there is.”