Pets and People Promenade: 2nd Annual Larchmont Pet Parade         see photo gallery

by Paula Eisenberg

Jean Randall and Cesare

(May 1, 2004) A Hollywood art director couldn't have arranged it better: sunny skies, warm but not hot temperatures, photogenic pets and their people, beautiful Larchmont Manor streets. The Pet Parade, to benefit Pet Rescue and the New Rochelle Humane Society, attracted a large crowd to the staging area at Fountain Square on Saturday, May 1. After registering their pets, marchers, led by the Chatsworth School fourth grade bongo band and parade marshalls Mayor Ken Bialo and Nick Langone, headed up Prospect Avenue. From there, they turned onto Elm and proceeded to Larchmont Avenue, made a left and then strolled proudly to Constitution Park, next to Village Hall. While dogs frolicked in the grass and enjoyed doggie biscuits, the humans snapped photos, chatted with neighbors, and reflected on the simple joys of a warm spring day.

Parade co-founder Michelle Daum

Fred Daum, husband of parade co-founder Michelle Daum, exulted, "Isn't this amazing? All these dogs, fish and gerbils are getting along so well, better than people do sometimes! It's a wonderful event, and the women who put it together are terrific." Those women, Betty Comerford, Michelle Daum, Pat Melrose, Penny Langone and Melanie Rush, organized the first pet parade last year to help support local humane societies and Pet Rescue.

Barbara Brandt of Harrison said, "This is one of the most wonderful neighborhood events I've been to in years!"

Holding her colorfully dressed pooch Cesare, Jean Randall explained his moniker. "He's named for an Italian opera singer, because he sings a lot too."

One of the most unusual critters in the parade was Vincent Maximillian St. George, a hedgehog belonging to the Alexander family. According to Carrie Alexander, Max has had a hard time lately, surviving a bout with cancer.

Carrie, Mark and Claire Alexander, Shaziya Omar, with Vincent Maximillian St. George

Click here for full photo gallery.

Proud owner of Blue Eyes and Goldie

Over 118 pets and 350 people marched in the parade, according to organizer Betty Comerford. She said almost 18% of the registration forms had been downloaded from the Gazette and filled out beforehand, helping to speed the registration process.

Michelle Daum told the Gazette the event raised almost $1,400 to benefit Pet Rescue and the Human Societies of New Rochelle and Westchester. Commemorative tee shirts are still available, at $10 each. Call Betty Comerford 833 3072, or email bacooking@aol.com for more information.

Comerford and Daum and fellow organizers Penny Langone and Pat Melrose praised the support and assistance of Larchmont Mayor Ken Bialo, the Village Board of Trustees and Recreation Committee. Police Chief Rubeo and his officers helped keep marchers and motorists safe, and Joe Bedard and his DPW team helped set up tables and barricades. The Manor Park Society allowed the group to use Fountain Square as the staging area, and Girl Scout Troop 2525 donated the pet bandanas and baked the cookies (both human and dog) and helped with registration. Longford’s donated ice cream, and many local residents helped out in various ways.

Plans are already underway for the Third Annual Larchmont Pet Parade and Show in May 2005.

If you have room in your life for a loving pet, adopt one from Pet Rescue. Call them at 834-6955.

Comet (wearing bandanna), with Max, Elliot and Denen Burg