- November 26, 2024
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Four-legged versions of the Pope, Batman and Robin, and a princess with her pirate were among the costumed dogs that strutted around the hound parade at Ormond Memorial Art Museum’s fourth-annual Dogapalooza on Saturday, Jan. 13.
The event originated four years ago based on an art show at the museum called Dog Days of Summer. Each year, the museum donates the profits from Dogapalooza to two local charities that are working to help furry friends.
Museum Director of Marketing and Membership Melissa Frankel said she wants to raise $2,000 this year, doubling last year’s earnings, to benefit Great Dawg Rescue and Halifax Humane Society.
“It is the best feeling,” Frankel said. “I was so excited to wake up and know that there was going to be hundreds of people here, all here for a good cause. It’s not for anything but giving money back to these two charities that support Ormond Beach so much through rescuing dogs — dogs that are maltreated.”
Two winners — one large and one small dog — were each crowned for best costume. The large dog category was won by Heidi, a great dane dressed as a groundhog who predicted no more winter. Kashmire, the small dog winner, rode around in a holy stroller dressed at the Pope.
The judges were Barbara Cady, who works with Florida Hospital Hospice Care’s pet program called “Pet Peace of Mind”; Paige Wilson, the community editor at the Ormond Beach Observer; and Sherry Barrett Gailey, a member of the HHS visionary team and the board of directors for OMAM.
“Dogs and their owners are family, and what better way to celebrate at a festival than with family?” Frankel said. “It’s an organic way of having a festival, having fun and honoring those furry canines that we love so much.”