Special Events: Community Fair and Pooch Parade

The Des Plaines Special Events Commission enjoyed a very successful Pooch, Pet and Pedal Parade this past weekend as part of the 2008 Des Plaines Community Fair at the Mountain View Adventure Center, 510 E Algonquin Road. The event brought out Des Plaines residents, as well as individuals from surrounding suburbs, and their pets "dressed to the 9’s!"

The 2008 Des Plaines Community Fair was a cooperative venture of the Des Plaines Park District, the Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the Special Events Commission, and the City of Des Plaines.

Listed below is a listing of winners of the May 17, 2008 Pooch, Pet and Pedal Parade, an event chaired by Special Events Commissioner Carol Shannon:

Best Theme 1st Place
Entry #227
Owner Aiden Arens, Des Plaines
Pets Smedley (Hawaiin theme with hula skirt)

2nd Place
Entry #221
Owner Harriet Baird, Des Plaines
Pet Benji Hercules (Pomaranian and Yorkie)

3rd Place
Entry #236
Owner Ryan Haupman, Des Plaines
Entry Bike (McQueen Theme)

Best Dressed 1st Place
Entry #228
Owner Mia Pittro, Des Plaines
Pet Mia (Cockapoo)

2nd Place
Entry #244
Owner Erin, Ryan, Robyn and Gerry McCluskey, Des Plaines
Pet Murphy

Best Wheels 1st Place
Entry #243
Owner Roberto, Park Ridge
Entry Bike (Hotwheels theme)

2nd Place
Entry #245
Owner Madison Biancas, Des Plaines
Entry Radio Flyer

3rd Place
Entry #235
Owner Matthew Hapuhman, Des Plaines
Entry Bike (McQueen Theme)

Best Helmet 1st Place
Entry #235
Owner Matthew Hapuhman, Des Plaines
Entry (McQueen Theme)

Fanciest 1st Place
Entry #233 Owner
Kendra Tolowski, Des Plaines
Pets Gismoe (Chihuahua-All in Pink with Boots)

Biggest 1st Place
Entry #229
Owner Barb Lietzan, Des Plaines
Pet Bailey

Smallest 1st Place
Entry #247
Owner Ruth Shields, Park Ridge
Pet Maltese

Best Pet/Owner Look Alike 1st Place
Entry #226
Owner Jim Forman, Des Plaines
Pet Naya (Malamute)

Best Tail Wagger 1st Place
Entry #242
Owner Jennifer and Sean Nutley, Des Plaines
Pet Homer (Basset Hound)

Most Unique Pet 1st Place
Entry #224
Owner Jim Gillespie, Des Plaines
Pet Shelly (Frog)

State Representative Elaine Nekritz officially cut the ribbon marking the onset of the Pooch, Pet and Pedal Parade. Pooch Smedley served as Parade Marshall and Jewels the Clown, complete with purple hair, were at the beginning of the parade that involved a variety of pets including a frog named Shelly!

The Des Plaines Special Events Commission, responsible for coordinating the 6^th Annual Pooch Parade, is a group of volunteers appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council. Under the direction of Chairman Linda Forman, the group sponsors several events throughout the year including the Pooch, Pet and Pedal Parade, theTaste of Des Plaines, July 4 events (including the parade, events at Oakton Community College and the fireworks), Friday Night Live on Metro Square, the Mitten Tree Project, and New Year’s Eve On the Plaza.

The following serve on the Des Plaines Special Events Commission: Linda Forman, Lucille Adamick, Gayle Mountcastle, Joyce Solvig, Thomas Christiansen,

Richard Prochenski, Mary Klabacha, Sister Clare Marie, Timothy Vana, James Wozny, Carol Shannon, and Neal Watson. Alderman Marty Moylan, 2^nd Ward, serves as the City Council liaison to the Commission.

For more information on upcoming Special Events Commission functions visit the City’s website: www.desplaines.org. Events are also listed on the City’s cable access channel, Channel 17. Questions regarding the Taste of Des Plaines, June 6, 7 and 8, 2008, downtown Des Plaines, may be directed to Chairman Linda Forman at 847-922-0556.

	Over 200 attended the Des Plaines Pooch, Pet and Pedal Parade last weekend at Mountain View Adventure Center, as part of the 2008 Des Plaines Community Fair. (pictured above) Jewels the Clown leads the parade as Parade Marshall Smedley and his owner Aiden Arens follow.
	Des Plaines Resident Nichole Goumas poses with her pooch Buddy prior to the onset of the parade.
	Across the street from the Pooch, Pet and Pedal event residents of all ages enjoyed "Touch A Truck," featuring a variety of vehicles, including those from the Fire, Police and Public Works Departments. It was all part of the Des Plaines Community Fair, a cooperative venture of the Des Plaines Park District, the Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the Special Events Commission, and the City of Des Plaines.
	Alderman Rosemary Argus, Resident Jim Forman and Jewels the Clown pose with Naya, a Malamute belonging to the Forman. Naya and Jim Forman place #1 in the Best Pet/Owner Look Alike.
	Alderman Marty Moylan, 2nd Ward, brings his pooch Riley to march in the 6th Annual Pooch, Pet and Pedal Parade.
	Special Events Commissioner Tom Christiansen brought his family, including his grandchildren, to the parade.
	State Representative Elaine Nekritz cuts the ribbon marking the onset of the Parade, coordinated by the Special Events Commission. Carol Shannon is the chairman of the event.
	A meeting of the minds! Des Plaines Director of Parks and Recreation Joh Hecker's dog meets Alderman Marty Moylan's pooch on the parade route.
	Special Events Commission Tim Vana and Representative Elaine Nekritz "MC" the event.
	2nd Place Best Dresssed winner Murphy belowngs to the McCluskey family of Des Plaines.
	The 1st place Smallest Winner was Maltese belonging to Ruth Shields of Park Ridge
	1st Place Fanciest award went to Gismoe, the Tolowski's pet.

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