Pet Parade brings spirit of St. Patrick’s Day to WindMark Beach

The parade participants looked festive their best green garb – shamrock spotted bandanas, bedazzled green collars, leashes with leprechauns on them and little green bows or hats tied to their ears.

The Windmark Beach Homeowners Association’s second annual St. Patrick’s Day Pet Parade kicked off Friday at 4 p.m., and local pet owners did not hesitate to show off their dogs’ best outfits.

Led by the Forgotten Coast Dancing Witches and followed by dozens of enthusiastic dogs and their owners, the parade wrapped its way around the WindMark Beach Green.

Organizers said this year’s event was even larger than last year’s despite the rainy weather. The witches, who collected tips from parade watchers, said the event brought in around $300 for the St. Joseph Bay Humane Society and helped raise awareness of several adoptable dogs, who came out to participate in the fun.

Following the parade, guests lingered on the lawn for an event hosted by The Mill Mercantile and Social, watching the dancing witches perform and allowing their dogs to socialize and play.