One of Detroit’s most beautiful winter playgrounds, Palmer Park, will be filled with magical fun, cold-weather recreation, and a delightful array of animals for its 4th Annual WinterFest and Doggie Fashion Parade.
The park will come alive with cross-country skiers, snow shoe travelers, hikers, bonfires, live music in the warm-up tent, arts and crafts, refreshments, and much more free family fun. Old-fashioned horse and carriage rides will travel through the woods, ice skaters will slip and slide on Lake Francis, and crowds will gather for the afternoon’s highlight when People for Palmer Park, the event organizer, presents its 4th Annual Doggie Fashion Parade with its new partner, the Michigan Humane Society.
WinterFest brings people and life to Palmer Park during the height of winter,” says People for Palmer Park President Rochelle Lento. “We hope to create a winter wonderland for kids and adults to enjoy. Bundle up and join us!”
Dogs of all shapes and sizes will strut their stuff around Lake Francis, wrapped in scarves, cloaks, hats, sunglasses and all manner of creative and fashionable attire to win wonderful treats for themselves and prizes for their owners.
A Pet Food Collection Drive will be held for the MHS Pet Food Bank at the event. 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.
Michigan Humane Society experts will offer two free presentations for both current and prospective dog owners before and after the parade in the warm-up tent:
- “I Love My Dog, But…” – Tips on how to address common behavioral issues.
- “So You Want to Get a Dog… Now What?” – Valuable information on helping you choose the RIGHT dog for you and your family.
People for Palmer Park’s WinterFest and Doggie Fashion Parade will take place on Saturday, January 31 from 1-4 pm at 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. Here are some of the featured activities taking place:
Cross Country Sking, Snow Shoeing & Ice Skating
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.
Music, Art and Pet Workshops: There will be a warm-up tent with music provided by vibraphonist John Davis, arts and crafts for children, and pet workshops.
Pet Parade: Prizes will be awarded for creative costumes, good behavior and best fur coats. The Michigan Humane Society, Razor K-9 Dog Training and various pet-oriented businesses are donating prizes as well. 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. A suggested donation of $5 per Doggie Parade pet will go into a fund to create a dog park at Palmer Park.
Pre-registeration for dogs and guidelines for safety and behavior can be found online at:
peopleforpalmerpark.org/calendar/winterfest-doggie-fashion-parade/
In addition light refreshments will be served.
WinterFest is presented by People for Palmer Park (PFPP), a nonprofit organization dedicated to the revitalization of Detroit’s Palmer Park. PFPP is entrusted by the City of Detroit’s Adopt-a-Park program as its Community Partner. Other sponsors include: City of Detroit’s Recreation Dept. and General Services Dept., Knight Foundation/Community Foundation of SE Michigan, Walker Miller Energy Services, Michigan Humane Society, Palmer Park Apartments, Hamilton Anderson Associates, Quicken Loans,Razor K-9 Dog Training and others TBA.
More information can be found at: peopleforpalmerpark.org
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