Downtown Knoxville will be going to the dogs on March 2nd, 2013.

Friends of Young-Williams Animal Center and the City of Knoxville will host the 6th annual Mardi Growl Parade and Festival, with all proceeds going to Young-Williams Animal Center.  Rain or shine, pets and their owners will parade around downtown Knoxville dressed in their finest competing for a variety of costume prizes including best costume, best naked dog, dog/owner look alike, best vol spirit, and most congenial.

The parade begins at the PetSafe Downtown Dog Park and winds it was through the Old City to Gay Street, ending at Market Square.  You can register online for $15 per pet through February 22, with the first 1000 people registered receiving a goody bag.  Day of event registration starts at 9am and is $20 per pet.

After the parade is over, festivities continue on Market Square through 2pm.  Prizes for the costume categories will be awarded and you can browse through the pet-related product vendors who will have tents covering the Market Square area.  There will also be an opportunity for $10 microchips and rabies vaccinations.

Parking is free on Market Square, State Street and Locust Street garages, and on meters.  You can find out more information about the event on Young-Williams Animal Center website.

photo credit: Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade via photopin (license)