Imagine 100 Bernese Mountain Dogs and their owners parading down Main Street on a beautiful autum day in a quinessential New England town? For 15 years this parade has become a beloved tradition in Ridgefield CT for Bernese Mountain Dogs and their owners.
The parade of Bernese Mountain Dogs in Ridgefield
The organizer of the parade, Patti Ballard, of Ridgefield, filled me in on the story of how this amazing parade came about.
“The parade was founded by Cathy and Geof Smith 15 years ago,” she told me. “They lived at 94 Main Street (in Ridgefield) in a lovely old home with their beloved Bernese Mountain Dog Scoop. The Smiths walked to town every day with Scoop and thought it would be fun to create an informal event to get together with other owners of Bernese Mountain dogs. They contacted two breeders and sent out invitations to about 20 Berner owners (that’s what they call Bernese Mountain Dogs) and thus the event began.”
“Over the years,” she continued,” the parade has grown to include Berners and their owners from VT (3 came this year). Maine, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York and Connecticut.”
When the Smiths left Ridgefield, a new couple took over, having bought the Smith’s home, Giancarlo Esposito and Joy McManigal who also had a Berner named Satchmo. When they resigned, Patti and her husband Charlie took over the production of the parade. They had owned Berners for 27 years, first in Greenwich CT and then in Ridgefield. She felt that they couldn’t let this wonderful event end. She and her husband are parishioners of St. Stephen’s Church, in Ridgefield and they approached Rev. Mark Delcuze, the rector, with the idea of using the church for a base for the event. Rev. Delcuze agreed, and offered to provide a blessing of the animals.
Upon arrival, the dogs and their families gathered under a tent behind the church.
The Bernese Mountain Dogs mingled near the tent.
A few puppies came too.
When all the guests and dogs arrived, Rev. Mark Delcuze blessed the dogs.
The Rev. Mark S. Delcuze, the rector of Saint Stephen's
Then, with tails wagging, the dogs and their owners took a leisurely walk up and down Main Street.
Sue Beagley, a trainer from Norwalk, with Sophie, 5, and Cubby 6, and Lynn Rakos, from Wilton, with Maddie, 6 in the parade of Bernese Mountain Dogs.
All ages of children, families, and friends enjoyed the walk.
Some dogs were more enthusiastic than others.
Dogs met other dogs.
Lisa Gardner with her 11-month-old daughter Ottilie, played with their Bernese Mountain Dog Bruce, 2, during the parade.
At the end of the parade, some were glad to lie down.
Ilo Milstein, from Pond Ridge NY with Theodora, left and Teufel, 8 take a break after the parade of Bernese Mountain Dogs. Teufel means devil in German. When Teufel was a puppy, he was playing with her husband, who is German, when Tuefel nipped his noes. Her husband cried out, "Teufel!! and that's how he got his name. He is actually a mush, she says, and, of course, he is really very good.
Nice to sit down.
If you want more information about Bernese Mountain dogs, click on Berner for their
Totally adorable.
website. It has all kind of good information, including where to find a Bernese Mountain puppy.
If you want to come to the parade, the next one is on October 9, 2010 from 1:00-3:00. If anyone is interested in being added to their invitation list, contact patti@neumannrealestate.com.
