State Street looked more like a fashion runway on June 2, 2007, than Santa Barbara’s bustling main drag. More than 1,200 dogs showed up to strut their stuff in the 13th annual Big Dog Parade for the thousands of dog lovers that lined the streets of historic downtown Santa Barbara.
Dogs of all shapes and sizes donned costumes for the mile-long route, which ended at the Big Dog Canine Festival. Spectators cheered on Greyhounds dressed as sailboats, French Bulldog super heroes, Great Dane bumblebees, and all the canine pirates and cowboys they could’ve hoped for.
Staff members from DogChannel.com and DOG FANCY magazine, one of the parade sponsors, marched in the parade with their own dogs and handed out free goodies.
After the parade, participants and spectators gathered at an oceanside park for the annual Big Dog Canine Festival. Festival-goers enjoyed rows of vendor and sponsor booths showcasing a variety of products and services for their pampered pooches.
A kid zone kept children busy with games, face painting, and a bounce house, while parents refueled with food from Chipotle, Jamba Juice, and Trader Joe’s. The sounds of a 70s cover band nearly drowned out the barks and yaps of the festival’s canine attendees, even as a few cheeky Beagles tried to sing along.
All proceeds from the Big Dog Parade and Canine Festival benefit the Big Dog Foundation, which raises funds for charities that help dogs, children, and dogs who help people.
For more information on the Big Dog Parade and Canine Festival, visit www.bigdogs.com/parade