Pooches to parade in Portarlington

THE Bellarine’s cutest pooches will descend on Portarlington tomorrow morning for the annual AFL Grand Final Eve Doggy Fashion Parade.

Hosted by the Portarlington Community Information Booth and the Woofers and Walkers Responsible Dog Owners Group, the seventh edition of the popular community event will kick off at 11am.

Dogs of all breeds and ages will be out to impress in their favourite AFL team colours.

Numerous prizes including the marquee Best in Parade title will be up for grabs from the judges.

Previous winners have portrayed footballers like Gary Ablett Jr or dazzled their way to victory by dressing as a hot dog.

Woofers and Walkers group secretary Julie Elterman said they were expecting more than 20 dogs in today’s parade.

“It’s certainly become a great tradition over the years!

“We are privileged to have had some top support from our local business community who have gone over and beyond to provide prizes for the event.

“Our judges have been doing it for a number of years and love it.

“It’s a really fun thing and has rolled along really nicely. Hopefully it’s a success once again!”

Portarlington Community Information Booth president Phil Cameron said they were overjoyed to be co-hosting the event.

“Woofers and Walkers first did it in 2015 and it’s become a bit of a go to event in Portarlington.

“It’s been a nice way of getting the community together, that’s for sure!

“We love helping to host the event and seeing all the people delighted at the doggie parade.”

Following the dog parade, live music will be played by local band Winter Song until 1pm.

Donations to enter and from spectators are requested and go towards Portarlington’s Food Assist 3223 program.