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Dublin Live
Dublin Live
Entertainment
Brian Dillon

Special St Patrick's Day dog parade and festival to take place in Wicklow

The Avon in Blessington, County Wicklow is to host a special St Patrick's Day dog parade in a bid to create a unique family experience on March 17.

The popular holiday destination and events venue has organised the family orientated day of festivities, which will feature live music and face painting, to raise funds for Dogs Trust.

Sarah Galligan from The Avon spoke to Dublin Live about the upcoming event and what families and their furry friends can expect.

Read more: Huge new dog festival to take place at Malahide Castle this spring

She revealed: "We've always been very dog friendly. We always had it in the back of our mind that we would always do some sort of a doggy festival. So we thought about doing the doggy PAWrade for St Patrick's Day.

"We have face painters and a photographer here with a portrait machine, so if you want to get a picture with your dog, whatever they charge is a donation to Dogs Trust. We pay the photographer for the day and that's our donation."

The Avon in Blessington, County Wicklow (© 2019 Liz White Photos)

Explaining how the parade portion of the event will work, Sarah said: "We'll have the registration desk with a few judges at it. That's just so the kids can come up with their dog and a few different prizes for cutest, hairiest and waggiest tail. It's a bit of fun. We're not looking for thoroughbred dogs or anything like that.

"The idea is a little person comes up with their dog, we find out information about the child and the dog and we'll call them to walk their dog."

Sarah also revealed that Dogs Trust was chosen as a charity to fundraise for as they are "struggling with dogs being given up at the moment" as Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.

There will be music in the front lawn at 2pm, the PAWrade at 3pm and then more live music at 4pm.

While this is a dog orientated event, Sarah told us that all are welcome and that she is hoping to see plenty of families heading along for fun activities and fundraising for a worthy cause.

Read more: Ballymun panto to bring joyous fun to the area after January cancellation

Read more: Duffy's Circus pay tribute to 'Greatest Showman' boss Tom Duffy who has died aged 92

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