Katie Raeker and dog Sadie took first place with the best trick and best costume, featuring Sadie in full construction gear, at the June 28 Northeast Dog Parade. (More photos and story on p. 11) (Nik Linde)
More than 200 people attended the Northeast Dog Parade on a warm summer evening Friday, June 28. The large turnout congregated near the Northeast side of the Hennepin Avenue Bridge near Main Street, started with a small parade route which went up to 5th Street and back, and concluded with various dog awards.
The parade featured many dogs wearing various outfits and stylings of hair. Since it was warm out, many dogs had their outfits on just for a short amount of time. Two mini-pools of water with balls were stationed at Father Hennepin Bluffs Park for the dogs to play in and cool off.
Michelle Bankert and her dog Remus have lived in Northeast for about four years and frequent the area all the time, “but we’ve never seen so many dogs all at once — and that’s his favorite part of the walk to see other dogs, so this is like puppy heaven for him. They’re doing a lot of freebies here which is really neat, from a lot of local businesses. It’s great to see them come out and support the community like this.”
Mayor Jacob Frey and his family were in attendance, as well as local musician Har Mar Superstar. Many local vendors were there to support the Northeast Dog Parade.
Jeff Meehan, a volunteer for Nicollet Island East Bank Neighborhood Association (NIEBNA), which organized the parade, remarked how successful this year was compared to the previous event. “Last year was the first time we did the Northeast Dog Parade since COVID, so we re-launched it last year. It was in high heat and storms so it wasn’t terribly successful, but this is wonderful to have lots of dogs and contestants. My favorite competition is the dog parent who looks most like their dog.”
Henry O’Donnell was accompanied by his six-month-old dog named Packy, a nickname for Patrick in Ireland. “Named after the only relative my family is aware of in Ireland named Packy Thornton. I’m from the East Coast, if you want to go buy a beer you go to the package store but in New England they call it the packy, so that’s another influence.” O’Donnell and many other parade attendees were first-time attendees to the event and were happy to see their dogs socialize with other dogs and dog owners.
“The goal of this is to be nice to our neighbors and support our community,” said another NIEBNA member.
Over 200 participants walked in the Northeast Dog Parade. (Nik Linde)
A youngster flashes a grin while holding their pooch. (Nik Linde)
Michelle Bankert and dog Remus attended and entered the contest for best trick. (Nik Linde)
Noah Paster and canine Cooper posed together in their Hawaiian shirts. (Nik Linde)
Katie Raeker and Sadie (same duo as front page photo) made a plaid outfit change for the look-alike contest. (Nik Linde)
A zebra-styled dog competed in the contest for best trick in front of other attendees. (Nik Linde)