Thousands of Dogs and Owners Paraded Through St. Louis at the 20th Annual Beggin'® Pet Parade

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- There was much more to watch and celebrate yesterday than the big game. Thousands of football-themed costumed pets and their owners took to the streets of the Soulard neighborhood in St. Louis Sunday, Feb. 3 to join the huge tail gate party and march in the 20^th annual Beggin'® Pet Parade.

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(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130204/MM53189 )

Annually attracting more than 8,000 pets and 80,000 people, the Beggin' Pet Parade is one of the largest pet parades in the world. The parade holds the Guinness World Records™ for "Most Dogs in Costumed Attire," achieved during the 2012 parade.

Special guests The Bacon Brothers served as parade grand marshals on the one-of-a-kind Beggin' float, and concluded the day's festivities with a live performance for both four- and two-legged friends. Other fun activities included bacon-themed games, photo opportunities, Beggin' sampling activities for dogs, bacon sampling activities for people, and the famous coronation costume contest ceremony for the most hilarious dog costumes.

"This year's 20^th Annual Beggin' Pet Parade was bigger and better than ever with the addition of The Bacon Brothers," said Alex Kahn, Beggin' assistant brand manager. "Thousands of costumed four-legged friends and their owners came out for our big tail gate party and parade. They celebrated their love of bacon and Beggin' with us, and helped support a good cause."

During the annual coronation costume contest ceremony, bacon–inspired trophies and Purina^® Beggin' Strips® were awarded for the best costumes. The parade's King was a Bulldog named Mojo; and Queen was a Chihuahua-mix named Pandora. The best group costume was awarded the title of Most Royal Subjects, and went to a Cocker Spaniel named Airedale and Welsh Terriers Rozi Z, Zizi Z and Magi Z. Following the ceremony, The Bacon Brothers took the stage and performed for the enthusiastic parade goers.

"The Beggin' Pet Parade has always been one of the most unique, family-friendly Mardi Gras events in St. Louis, said Tim Lorson, executive director of Mardi Gras, Inc. "This year was no exception. There was so much to enjoy, from the costumed parade itself to The Bacon Brothers performance."

The Beggin'® Pet Parade represents the spirit of celebration through pets' memorable, fun-loving personalities and the fun of Mardi Gras with elaborate attention-getting costumes. Additionally, the event helps raise funds for Open Door Animal Sanctuary, an animal rescue and adoption organization in St. Louis funded entirely from donations. The event's required registration fee of $10 per pet directly benefits Open Door Animal Sanctuary.

Those registered were eligible to participate in the costume contest ceremony and received a free Beggin'® Party Bag. The bag included hound handouts, such as a bag of Beggin'® brand dog snacks, a certificate of participation, and Mardi Gras beads.

For more information about the parade, including photos and highlights, please visit www.begginpetparade.com and www.facebook.com/beggin.

About Nestle Purina PetCare 
Nestle Purina PetCare promotes responsible pet care, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets.  A premiere global manufacturer of pet products, Nestle Purina PetCare is part of Swiss-based Nestle S.A., the world's largest food company.

SOURCE Nestle Purina PetCare Company