Reindogs Reign in WilliamstownBy Tammy Daniels
01:43PM / Sunday, December 09, 2007
 | | Bruce won for being the best-dressed Reindog. |
WILLIAMSTOWN - A pack that might even give Cesar Millan pause pranced and yipped down Spring Street before a delighted crowd.
An estimated 100 canines of all sizes, breeds and colors - not to mention a herd of bovines and a troop of equines - were decked out in the season's best for the annual Reindog Parade on Saturday.
"I think this the biggest turnout in my 10 years," said John Skavlem, who runs the parade, part of the Chamber of Commerce's annual Holiday Walk. "I think this was a record."
Dogs and owners gathered in front of Chapin Hall prior to the parade so three judges - Santa Claus, his helper and Col. Ephraim Williams (Bruce Grinnell) could determine the best-dressed pooch.
Carley's not crazy about her antlers. |
That was Boris, a 6-year-old all-American mutt whose Santa costume made him appear to be standing when he sat down. The outfit's "legs" covered Boris' front legs and it included a pair of stuffed arms.
Boris' owner, 8-year-old Own Brandriss of Williamstown, won a gift certificate to Where'd You Get That?! While happy with the win, Owen was a bit press shy.
His parents, Ronadh Cox and Mark Brandriss, said Boris was adopted from the Berkshire Humane Society, making the win even sweeter. This was the third year they'd participated with Boris.
Hawkeye, a bassett hound, is a veteran of the parade, but this was likely his last hurrah, said owner Michael Steele of Williamstown.
"He couldn't even walk in October," said Steele, as he wrapped a bright green sweat shirt around Hawkeye's shivering form. The hound had marched in the last 10 parades, but with his 14th birthday coming up in February, "this is probably his last parade."
Diggity, left, and Heidi take their owners for a walk. |
Hawkeye took his last walk with style, but he and Boris weren't the only ones decked out. Reindeer antlers were the preferred attire - for both dogs and owners - but plenty of pooches were clad in sweaters, Santa outfits, jingle bells and bows. One little black Pomeranian sported a silver bow almost as big as it was.
Carley, a spaniel, was wearing both antlers and a red sweater, the better to stay warm in the chilly wind. This was the second time Carley and owner Pat Lewin had marched.
"We had such a great time we had to come back," said Lewin. "It's a lot of fun to do and it's over in a half-hour and you can go home."
Rick Richer had a handful with his Newfoundland, Diggity, who was nearly the same size as the eight calves being escorted by the 4-H group at Cricket Creek Farm.
"We came just to be part of the whole experience," said Richer as Diggity sniffed at his "sister" Heidi, a Great Pyrenees.
There were some odd-looking dogs in the parade. |
Then the whole pack was off, along with the Williams College band, a horse-drawn carriage from Colonial Carriage, the historic North Adams trolley, holiday-clad equestrians and Santa and his helper aboard a fire engine.
The crowd lining Spring Street snapped pictures as kids scrambled for the candy being tossed by the carriage riders. One-and- three-quarters-year-old Judge Martin bent over precariously, trying to pick up the treats under his mother's watchful eye. The family enjoys attending the parade, said Colleen Judge Martin. "I was raised in Williamstown."
WilliNet was interviewing paradegoers halfway down the street and a capella groups from Williams serenaded the crowd at various points along the route.
Up at First Congregational Church, Northern Berkshire Habitat for Humanity was raffling off tiny decorated Christmas trees donated by groups and individuals.
Best friends Dagny Albano, 9, of Williamstown and Alex Bernard, 8 1/2 of North Adams, were discussing which trees to try for.
"I like all the trees," said Dagny, who had won a "makeup" tree last year. Alex had her eye on one done up by a Girl Scout troop.
This was the second year the Bernards had attended the Holiday Walk, said Alex's mother, Jen Bernard. "It was a lot of fun."
This pup thinks it's a present. |
Across the hall from the trees, Williams students were offering socially responsible gifts in their annual Alternative Craft Fair.
The Walk also included an Old-Fashioned Penny Social, films, readings, hot chocolate, trolley and carriage rides and special discounts at various stores and restaurants.
The real draw, however, has to be the annual Reindog Parade.
"We never know how many dogs will show up," said Skavlem. "People started calling up weeks in advance. They really seem to like to dress their dogs up." |
