SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2026, 1:00-5:00 PM
CONESTEE PARK
A Mardi-Gras style walking parade for dogs and their humans!
Parade! Vendors! Costume Contest! Food Trucks!
A ruff-tastic time awaits all at the Mystic Krewe of Ruffus Dog Paw-rade! Calling all furry divas and princes to dress as your favorite fairy tale icon! Walk with your human or ride in your decorated carriage and soak up the adoration of the canine-loving crowds! Strike a pose for the esteemed Costume Contest judges and stroll around the Festival of Dogs to partake of food trucks and vendors!
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We will parade around Conestee Park on the level, paved path circling the pavilion, playground and field for approximately .4 (4/10) mile. Dogs are welcome to walk their humans on a leash or to have their humans push or pull them in a decorated “float” (nonmotorized stroller, cart or wagon). There will be food trucks and vendors at the Festival before, during and after the parade.
The 2026 theme is “Fairy Tails: The Wondrous and the Wicked”. Costumes are required! Parade participants/teams will be assigned a number and will have a chance to win one of several puppalicious prizes in the costume contest. Feel free to stretch your artistic license and get creative! See images from other dog parades for inspiration!
The first 30 dog/human combos to sign up will receive a complimentary “wag bag”.
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The festival and spectating the parade are free and open to the public. Participation in the parade and costume contest requires a ticket purchase.
Beneficiaries of the Event:
ZONTA Club of Greenville’s mission is to improve the world by working towards gender equality and an end to violence and abuse against women and children. Through our Foundation, we provide educational scholarships and support organizations that align with our mission.
For the inaugural year of this event, ZONTA will donate a portion of net proceeds to Defenders for Children. The remainder of net proceeds will be used to support ZONTA Foundation projects, such as the ZONTA Bridge Education Fund, ZONTA Young Women in Leadership Award, and In the Gap. More information about these projects is available at https://www.zontaclubofgreenville.com.
About Defenders for Children:
Defenders For Children is a local nonprofit dedicated to combating Child Trafficking and overall crimes against children. We do this by providing Electronic Detection K9s to law enforcement agencies that assist in locating electronic evidence, helping save and rescue children, and apprehending those who harm them.
For more information, visit: www.DefendersForChildren.org.
