They’re Red, White, and Blue: Flags, Bikes, and…Pooches!

NORTH WILDWOOD — The Fourth of July celebration here begins with, not one, but two parades.
It’s the sixth year for The Pooch Parade, having been started by Joe Quattrone after the loss of his 13-year-old Husky, Gorbi.
In Gorbi’s honor, Quattrone cooked up the idea of dressing up dogs in patriotic outfits and parading them for a few blocks, where they merge with the decorated bikes, strollers, and wagons that make up the Independence Day Parade.
In its first year, there were 19 dogs registered. By last year, it grew to 131 dogs, and so, it’s the fastest growing event in North Wildwood
The fun begins with planning the pooches’ costumes to show their pride in the USA. The goal is to make your pooch the Most Original Patriotic Pooch. There will be first, second, and third prizes.
The first prize winner receives the “Gorbi Cup.” All three winners receive gift certificates.
Sign up at the Eighth Avenue Field (Eighth and Central avenues) beginning at 8:30 a.m. The pooches will step off at 9 a.m. proceeding north on Atlantic First avenues.
Water and cookies will be provided for the pooches along the parade route. Owners must keep their dogs on leashes and under control at all times.
Call 609-374-0562 to register.
Meanwhile, the Independence Day Parade begins with signups from 8 to 8:45 a.m. at 15th and Atlantic avenues. The Parade begins there at 8:45 a.m. and proceeds north on Atlantic to First, meeting up with the pooches at Eighth.
Prizes will also be awarded for best-decorated bikes, strollers and wagons in a Red-White-Blue theme. Call 609-522-2955 to register.
Don’t forget, North Wildwood’s free Concerts under the Stars begin Sat., July 3 at 8 p.m. at Lou Booth Amphitheater, Second and Ocean avenues. The first concert features Shirley Alston Reeves, former lead singer of the Shirelles.
Mayor Bill Henfey said, “With the concert and parades, in addition to the beach and boardwalk, it’s going to be a wonderful weekend. Come out with your neighbors and enjoy it all!”