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Check out the 2008 Haute Dog Easter Parade & Pet Adoption Fair

EASTER SUNDAY, March 23; 2:30 p.m., sidewalks of 2nd St., Belmont Shore, Long Beach MAP Approx. 300-400 dressed-up dogs are expected to walk the 8-block sidewalk parade route on Second St. between Roycroft and Argonne avenues. The parade is expected to last one hour.

RESERVED PARADE SEATING
Approx. 300 white folding chairs will be available along the Second St. sidewalk parade route to rent (starting at 11 a.m.) for a $5 donation to Haute Dogs. Reserve a seat at the "parade chairs for rent" booth on the corner of 2nd St. and Park Ave. starting at 11 a.m. on Easter Sunday.

VENDOR AND ADOPTION FAIR
From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Livingston Park - one block north of 2nd St. Approx. 30 vendor spaces. Get an up-close look at the dressed-up dogs before and after the parade. MAP

FREE PARKING
Belmont Shore still has free metered parking on holidays. Also, free parking lot at the corner of Argonne Ave. and Livingston Dr. and in public lots along Second St.

PUBLIC TRANSIT
We suggest that spectators take the red Passport buses for 90 cents each way to Belmont Shore. The bus stop on 2nd St. at Park Ave. is right on the parade route. Note: dogs are not allowed on buses, uness they are in a pet carrier. BUS SCHEDULE

ENTRY FEE
entry forms: CLICK HERE
donation per dog: $15 advance; or $25 day-of-event registration at the Haute Dog registration tent in the Park at the corner of Livingston Dr. and St. Joseph Ave. from 11 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.

V.I.P. (Very Important Pooch) ENTRY
Plenty of spaces still available. For a $35 donation per dog (advance only) to Haute Dogs, you will receive: registration for a dog in the Easter Parade, an official Haute Dog t-shirt, and you and your pooch will be invited to parade near the front of the procession. VIP dogs should line up near the alley (@ Park Ave.) alongside the park by 2:25 p.m.

JUDGES
4Harrison Forbes, PetTalk on 1260AM
4Steve & Neena Strichart, Signal Tribune
4Miss Greater Long Beach 2008, Cynthia Salim
4Alek & Steph, OhLaLaMag.com
4 Rich Archibald, Press-Telegram
4Theo Douglas, District Weekly
4Shirley Wild, Press-Telegram
4Ralph Millero (judges' coordinator)

JUDGING
Judges begin roaming the park at 2:15 p.m. getting a "feel" for the competition, and the judges will see each dog from the "judges tent" as they leave Livingston Park near the alley, on the west side of Park Ave., headed south toward 2nd St.

MORE ENTERTAINMENT
Disc Dogs in Southern California, 1 & 3 p.m. in Livingston Park at the corner of Argonne Ave. and Livingston Dr.

CATEGORIES & PRIZES
4Best K-9 Easter Outfit will receive FREE ‘Health Food For Dogs’ for one year, courtesy of Breeder’s Choice Pet Foods and LaunderPet.
4Best "Float" (any dog riding in, upon, or within a moving, non-motorized device; i.e. wagon, stroller or pulled cart) will win a custom "Bowser Dog Bed" (round or donut) from Wiskers, Belmont Shore.
4Top-14 will get terrific prize packs filled with gift certificates (some items listed below)
4Best Bonnet on a Dog gift basket from Innova-Evo
4Best Bonnet on a Human $100 for 1st place; and $25 cash to two runners-up.
Other prizes include:
- a free PetHead (wooden Intarsia portrait) by willwyles.com and gift certificates from Wags to Whiskers pet grooming, grooming certificates from Tidy Dog, OPC3 for dogs, Camp Bow Wow gift certifcate, Dogswell.

JUDGING CRITERIA
Based on Easter-themed & Spring-themed outfits and bonnets, creativity, style, originality and showmanship. An entry is considered: a dog in its outfit and/or bonnet; a dog with its float or props; a dog and its owner both in costumes; a grouping of dogs with a theme; or any combination thereof.

AWARDS CEREMONY
Immediately after the parade at Livingston Park -- approx. 3:30 p.m. at the Disc Dogs performance ring.

VENDORS AND ADOPTION BOOTHS
More than 45 pet-related vendor booths from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Livingston Park. Only $25 for rescue groups showing pets; $50 for nonprofits; $100 for commercial vendors. Contact Justin@JustinRudd.com for details. Credit cards are accepted in advance.

BENEFICIARIES
Haute Dogs, 30-Minute Beach Cleanup, So Cal Spelling Bee Championship, Operation Santa Paws, Operation Easter Basket

SPONSORS
Justin Rudd and his 501c3 nonprofit Community Action Team (C.A.T.), Haute Dogs, the Belmont Shore Business Assoc., Recreation Dog Park Assoc., and Gazette Newspapers.

VET ON SITE 1-4 p.m.
Cats & Dogs Animal Hospital, Dr. Perrault,

PARADING TIPS FOR DOGS
Only allow your escorts to pause ever so briefly for photos. Follow all traffic signals and laws. Share the sidewalk. Hold your head up high and work the runway!

PET ADOPTION FAIR & VENDORS
11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Livingston Park; dogs, cats, puppies and more! to get your rescue group or shelter involved, contact Justin@JustinRudd.com

g CLICK HERE Operation Easter Basket