Jo’s Easter Pet Parade and Costume Contest is a fun Easter weekend tradition, even for non-pet owners. The Dead Music Capital Band led this year’s parade down the sidewalks of South Congress. The parade ended in the parking lot behind Jo’s Coffee Shop (home of the I love you so much mural) where a stage and bleachers were set up for the costume contest. Entry fees benefited local non-profit Austin Pets Alive!.

Bill and I arrived late, when the costume contest was already underway. As in previous years, dogs were introduced by name. Hobbies included sleeping, barking, chasing squirrels, and eating bark.

A large crowd was gathered in the parking lot, lured by the nice spring weather. Picture-taking was difficult because several photographers standing right in front of the stage. We couldn’t really see most of the dogs unless their owners were holding them.

First prize went to these two dogs dressed as Bonnie and Clyde. They just stood patiently and posed for numerous photos after the contest had ended. I heard that these two had also won with different costumes a few years ago. An excellent first place choice by the judges!

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