Chuck Seaver, South Lake Tablet
The City of Clermont hosted the 6th Annual “Pups in the Park” celebration at Lake Hiawatha Preserve on Saturday, March 21st. This doggo tradition, partnered with the city’s arts and recreation department and the police department, is a much-anticipated event every year that is enjoyed by local fur babies and their humans.
The Clermont Police Department provided plenty of refreshing “Puppucino with a Cop” for the K9’s 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.
Pups of all sizes, shapes, ages and breeds were greeted by a host of vendors and displays while visitors received toys and games from the City of Clermont. Participants and their humans had the opportunity to enjoy a dog-lure course provided by Lucky Dogs Lure Coursing. The course measures a dog’s ability to follow a remote-controlled lure through a course according to structured point systems. A 1K dog walk on the beautiful South Lake Fitness Trail before the costume contest was a sure way to warm up those zoomie desires for the four-legged contestants.
The annual costume contest themed this year as “Su-Paw-Heros,” brought out 16 entries. Costumes and supporting props encouraged the best in handler imagination and creativity as the pups strutted their stuff down the grassy runway. The contest was led by Master of Ceremonies, Jay Peterson of Jayslights, along with a panel of judges composed of representatives from the community, including Pat Caracciolo, Clermont Police Officer Erin Razo, and Chuck Seaver. All 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 and a goodie bag full of prizes were first place, Chopper, the sunglass wearing class act. Second place, Enzo, the pint-sized Super Boy and in third place, Gummy Bear, the cuddle worthy Batman.
The City of Clermont Arts and Recreation staff would like to thank everyone in the community, including organizations, businesses and volunteers that make this growing family friendly event a success every year. 
Visit www.ClermontFl.gov/arc.com for a full listing of community events throughout the year.
