Palmer Park Winter Fest and Doggie Fashion Parade

One of Detroit’s most beautiful winter playgrounds, Palmer Park, will be filled with magical fun, cold-weather recreation, horse and carriage rides, and a delightful array of animals for its 5th Annual WinterFest and Doggie Fashion Parade. The park will come alive with fashionably-attired canines for our ever-popular Doggie Fashion Parade, as well ice skaters, cross-country skiers, snow shoe travelers, hikers, bonfires. In the warm-up tent, enjoy live music with Project DayDream, arts and crafts (kids can make doggie masks, ears and tails to join the parade!), refreshments and much more free family fun. Admission to the event is free. Old-fashioned horse and carriage rides will travel through the woods, as well as hayrides pulled by our new tractor. The afternoon’s highlight will be at 3 pm when People for Palmer Park presents its 5th Annual Doggie Fashion Parade with the support of the Michigan Humane Society and Razor K-9. Dogs of all shapes and sizes will strut their stuff around Lake Francis, wrapped in scarves, cloaks, hats, sunglasses and all manner of creative attire to win wonderful treats for themselves and prizes for their owners. Please pre-register you dog and read the guidelines at: https://peopleforpalmerpark.wordpress.com/calendar/winterfest-doggie-fashion-parade/ A Pet Food Collection Drive will be held for Paws in the D at the event. All attendees are encouraged to share with pets in need by bringing any unopened and unexpired dog, cat, puppy or kitty food to donate. Type or brand does not matter; however food must be in its original, unopened container in order to be accepted. The event takes place in Palmer Park, on the south side of the park adjacent to Merrill Plaisance, which is located just north of McNichols (Six Mile Road) and just west of Woodward Ave. in Detroit. Follow the signs to free parking. SKIING, SNOW SHOEING, ICE SKATING: If mother nature cooperates, guides will lead hikers through the trails. Bring your own cross country skis, boots and snow shoes and lots of warm socks! Bring ice skates to skate on Lake Frances (if conditions of the ice permit). We hope to have mini-classes for those new to the ice, and those who need help and encouragement! REFRESHMENTS, including hot chocolate, soups, organic baked goodies, popcorn and coffee sandwicheswill be available for purchase from Mystic Kettle Gourmet Popcorn, Detroit BOLD Coffee, and Good Cakes and Bakes. HORSE & CARRIAGE RIDES: Pinecrest Percherons and Carriage Service will provide nostalgic horse and carriage rides through the woods for a small donation to PFPP of $5 per adult, $2 per child. Other equestrians friends from the Detroit Mounted Police Dept (located in Palmer Park), have been invited to join us. In the Warm-Up Tent: There will be a warm-up tent with music provided by Project DayDream and arts and crafts workshop for children so they can make doggie masks, ears and tails and join the pet parade. DOG PARADE: Prizes will be awarded for creative costumes, good behavior and best fur coats. While costumes are not mandatory, dog owners are updating their dogs’ fashion attire for the stroll on Palmer Park ‘Frosty White Carpet’ that encircles Lake Frances. We will have prizes from the Michigan Humane Society, Razor K-9, Premiere Pet Supplies, Canine to Five, and others. REGISTRATION for DOG CONTEST: A suggested donation of $5 per Doggie Parade pet will go into a fund to create a dog park at Palmer Park, or a donation of pet food (sealed package or can) for the MHS Pet Food Collection) is requested from all participants. Pre-registeration for dogs and guidelines for safety and behavior can be found online at: peopleforpalmerpark.org/calendar/winterfest-doggie-fashion-parade