by Chuck Seaver, South Lake Tablet
The City of Clermont hosted the 5th Annual Pups in the Park at Lake Hiawatha Preserve on Saturday, March 15th. This wonderful tradition, partnered with the city’s arts and recreation department and the police department, grows each year in both attendance and costume contest entries.
A host of vendors and displays greeted pups of all sizes, shapes, and breeds while visitors received toys and games from the City of Clermont. Participants and their humans had the opportunity to enjoy a dog-lure course, which measures a dog’s ability to follow a lure through a course according to structured point systems, and a 1K group dog walk before the costume contest.
The Clermont Police Department provided plenty of refreshing “Puppucino with a Cop” for the K9s of all ages. Furry friends kept the officers busy with refills and photo opportunities as handlers and guests inquired about various community topics. The event was introduced in 2020 as an expansion to the police department’s “Coffee with a Cop” program, which is designed to provide an opportunity for residents to meet and talk with police officers in a mutual ground and relaxed environment.
The annual costume contest, themed “Pawlice Officer,” brought out 33 entries this year. Costumes and supporting props encouraged the best in handler imagination and creativity as the pups strutted their stuff down the grassy runway. The contest led by Master of Ceremonies, Jay Peterson of Jayslights, along with a panel of judges composed of representatives from the community, including Pat Caracciolo, Daniella Tangherlini, and Chuck Seaver. All of the costumed cuties were winners in the judge’s eyes but three “pawmazing” pups stood out in categories that included Best Overall, Most on Theme, and Most Creative.
The showstopper choices were difficult to make but the three that stood out and walked away with wagging tails were, first place, Chopper, the tactical vest cutie that patrolled from a hand cart complete with emergency lights and siren. Second place, to Chelsea, the patrol officer who sported traffic cop-style sunglasses while taming the wild crowd, and third place to Clyde, the sweet and friendly convict pup escorted to the judge(s) by his two little prison guards.
The morning event wound down with city staff providing gifts to the guests and their leashed loved ones.
Visit www.ClermontFl.gov for a full listing of community events throughout the year.
