If you've checked your dog's calendar this week, you may have noticed that Friday is circled in red and stamped with a paw print.
It's time again for the annual Pet Parade, which takes place at Caledonia Park, in Pacific Grove, as part of the 2012 Feast of Lanterns.
If you have a pet who's prone to pageantry, find the leash and get to the park by 2p.m. to get in line. The parade begins a half hour later.
P.G.'s Feast of Lanterns began in 1905, when the Methodists and the Woman's Civic Club organized the first Feast of Lanterns festival as the closing ceremony to the annual Chautauqua Assembly. Their Japanese and Chinese neighbors were invited and joined in the celebration. They carried lanterns, brought fish to add to the feast, lit their boats as they floated off the cove and enjoyed a fireworks display.
It remains a community event to this day, and also provides scholarships for civic-minded, active middle school and high school girls who are selected each year to reign over the festival as the Royal Court.
Here's a rundown of the remaining events, which continue through Sunday in Pacific Grove:
Friday: Pet Parade, Caledonia Park. Ice cream sponsored by the Pacific Grove Letter Carriers is promised on the festival website (www.feast-of-lanterns.org). The Feast of Dancing takes place from 6 to 9p.m. at Chataqua Hall, and is free.
Saturday: Children's activities take place 11a.m. to 5:30p.m. The Feast of Foods kicks off at 11a.m., followed by a flag ceremony and entertainment at 12:30p.m., a sand castle contest at 1p.m. and a sponsors walk and pageant at 7:45.
Sunday: Closing ceremonies take place at 2p.m. at Chautauqua Hall, 16th Street at Central Avenue. Entertainment by La Iku and Umi and a drawing are also planned.
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