By Bruce Barton

Photo by Monique Schoenfeld, Town Crier

A tradition that’s a keeper: Kiwanis event draws hundreds, mostly participants

Forget the Internet revolution. Time stood still Saturday at the 53rd Kiwanis Pet Parade. The scene, minus a modern-themed costume or two, would not have been out of place in 1947.

The community pet promenade along Main and State streets in downtown Los Altos drew hundreds of kids and their pets, with parents in tow. It was fun tradition, untainted by time, and proved yet again that Los Altos residents enjoy their slice of Americana.

“You’re all crowding up again folks - spread out so we can see those animals,” urged Walter Chronert, longtime Kiwanian and Los Altos resident who again presided over the festivities. “This is the only parade with more participants than spectators.”

The parade, running less than an hour, featured a new generation of young participants pulling wagons with rabbit cages or walking dogs with scarves around their necks. As usual, the schools were out in full force, as were the Girl and Boy Scouts.

The parade also showcased groups that have made a tradition of participating in the parade: The Los Trancos Marching Band, Greyhound Friends For Life and Ye Olde Town Band, to name a few.

“We like the small-town atmosphere - that’s how we really got started,” said James Harvey, director and co-founder of the Los Trancos band, now in its 40th year. The anything-goes attire of band members gets them noticed, and their music also makes them fun to hear.

Ye Olde Town Band is another parade staple that’s hard not to notice. Members glide along on a large gazebo-like float, playing swing tunes with precision.

“We contribute to the community by doing this parade,” said Eldon Wiegman, conductor/director. “We also use it as an advertisement for our summer concerts.” These concerts are scheduled from 1:30-3:30 p.m. every Sunday, beginning with the last Sunday in May, through September, at Shoup Park in Los Altos.

So far, crowd feedback has been good. “How many times have you been hit with a tomato?” Wiegman asked a band member.

Greyhound Friends For Life members brought approximately 45 of their swift companions to the parade. Los Altos resident Norm Simmons said his group rescues these dogs from the tracks - 16 states still allow greyhound racing - and finds them homes. The group places approximately 200 dogs a year.

“We’re just walking the dogs and showing people what beautiful animals they are,” Simmons said.

While some were content with just showing up to walk their dogs, others had more elaborate goals. One costumed figure braved the summer-like heat with a large “alien” headpiece. Other participants constructed and painted a cardboard castle, and put their pet chicken in the tower.

“We start thinking about the pet parade in January,” said Susie Tankersley, who, along with Kenzie, Reed and Georgia, presented “Gracie Is A Little Lamb.”

Tankersley won for best-look-alike, one of four prizes Town Crier judges handed out for the paper’s annual pet parade contest. Breaking a little from tradition, the Crier held its contest before the parade. “The Surfin’ Chicken,” by Hanna and Haley Jones, won best overall, followed by the Tankersleys’ “Gracie Is A Little Lamb” in second place for best overall. “Dog and Chicken Castle,” by Hanna and Bjorn Lauritzen, who won the most creative-unusual honor.

Prizes were: an $80 gift certificate from the Barking Lot, 467 First St., Los Altos, for best overall, first place; a $75 gift certificate from Altos Animal Hospital in Los Altos for best overall, second place; a $50 gift certificate from Miramonte Vet in Mountain View for best look-alike; and a four-month supply of Advantage flea control from Kindness Pet Hospital in Los Altos, for the most-creative-unusual honor.