Dog parade expected to attract many

QUINCY - More than 50 entries are expected for the second Ron Stadig Dawg Days of August dog parade on Aug. 23 at the Cambridge Assisted Living Community.

The parade is named for late Quincy resident Ron Stadig, who died last September. Because of Stadig, the parade grew last year from a Cambridge event to a community event.

"We had 53 dogs and 200 people last year," Activities Director Susan Lacy said. "We had only 10 dogs the year before."

When Stadig became aware of the parade, he got excited, Lacey said. He made his business, The Grape wine shop, the main sponsor.

Stadig's widow, Linda, will be this year's prime sponsor. She is paying for all of the trophies, Lacey said.

The Ron Stadig Dawg Days of August parade encourages dog owners of all ages to use their imaginations in dressing up their pet. There is no category for crazy, but crazy will be accepted.

Last year's Best of Show winner was Teresa King of Sunserra Homes in Crescent Bar. Her dog, Chief, was dressed as a hotdog.

In addition to the dog parade, the Ron Stadig Dawg Days of August will include a silent auction. It will feature wine baskets and golf packages for Sunserra Golf Course.

The parade takes a circular route twice around Cambridge driveway. Lacey will ask the city to close off part of the street to make things easier for dogs and friends.

Cambridge and the Quincy Animal Shelter organize and run the event. Prizes include Best of Show, Best Adult and Best Youth with placings in each category, youth and adult.

Ron Stadig Dawg Days is open to anyone. There will be a $2 entry for 17-and under and $6 for 18-and up.

Entrants are eligible for drawings for gift baskets or gift certificates from Casa Jalisco, Mansfield-Curran Properties, The Grainery, Quincy Hardware and Lumber, Ace Hardware and more.

Silent Auction items include baskets or certificates from Beaumont Cellars, The Grape, Smith Brother's Antiques and Espresso, Hay Daze Farm, The Cambridge, and more.

If you'd like to participate, registration will begin at 5 p.m., and the parade will start at 6 p.m. If you'd like to participate but don't have a dog, you may bring items for the animal shelter.

You may contact (509)787-8010 or (509)670-2667 with any questions.