Get Your Pooch Ready for Saturday's Dog Parade and Contest

Most days, a stroll down Katonah Avenue would lead to encountering a dog or two out with their owners. This Saturday, you may see an array of canines with their companions, out for the Best Dressed Doggie Parade, held in conjunction with the

"Katonah is just a dog-loving town," said Midge Iorio, director of membership for the Katonah Chamber of Commerce, which puts on the festival. "The contest was created to celebrate that spirit."

This year the parade kicks off at 4:15 p.m. in front of the Katonah Village Library, and travels down Valley Road to Katonah Avenue. The parade ends in front of , at 45 Katonah Avenue, where an oversized container of dog treats will be displayed for locals to guess and win a prize if they come close to identifying the number of treats in the jar.

Gift certificates to local shops will be awarded as prizes to dogs and their owners for these three categories:

• Best Dressed
• Best Kisser
• Best Tricks

The parade is co-sponsored by Must Love Dogs, and Pets-a-Go-Go, a Briarcliff business.

It's the third year for the parade and they've seen some interesting costumes, said Iorio. Past winners include a princess, a bee and a dog dressed as a hot dog.

No pre-registration is necessary.

Check back tomorrow for a full preview on the festival.