Cleveland Manor residents to showcase pets and assistance animals in parade, pageant – Midland Daily News

Cleveland Manor
In honor of the positive impact animals have on their owners, Cleveland Manor is hosting its inaugural Pet and Assistance Animal Parade and Pageant next week.
The parade and pageant are set for 2-3:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22 in the senior living community’s parking lot near Entrance C, 2200 Cleveland Ave. in Midland.
“We have a lot of pets and assist animals,” said Cleveland Manor Executive Director Trudy Laufer. “We thought it would be fun to get them together.”
Laufer said the idea was brought up after staff asked residents about possible community activities. One of the residents, who had previously hosted a similar event, brought it to the attention of the activity coordinator. The event is being promoted internally through fliers and the Cleveland Manor newsletter.
“We wanted to do an outside event for everybody to get together,” Laufer said.
The animals are invited to come dressed up or simply as they are. Residents can sign up beforehand or on the day of the event.
On the same day, owners will also have the opportunity to participate in a pet parade and showcase their furry friends in an “animal fun zone,” a fenced area where they can perform tricks. A panel of judges will be comprised of members of the Cleveland Manor board of directors. The judges will present certificates for categories such as wiggliest tail, floppiest ears, best trick and coolest costume.
While the event is geared towards the residents, family and friends are welcome to watch the parade and pageant as well.
“I do hope we get a lot of participation,” Laufer stated. “It should be a good event. A lot of people go out and walk their pets. It’s a nice way to honor them for the day and make them feel special.”
 
Victoria Ritter grew up in Midland and after earning a degree in English at Grand Valley State University, returned. She joined the Daily News as its newsroom clerk, and eventually began editing obituaries, and in 2016 wrote her first article. She loves the arts, from reading and creative writing to catching a movie or singing in her church choir.

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