EDGEWATER — EdgeFest's first pet parade did not disappoint local animal-lovers looking for a show.
Dozens of pets and their owners turned out to the Saturday morning event that kicked-off the annual neighborhood festival, including a Basenji Beyoncé and her newborn twins and two colorful parrots, ages 27 and 31.
The event included a strut around several residential blocks and a four-category contest that saw pets seeking prizes for best costume, biggest or smallest pet, best trick and pets who looked most like their owners.
Beyoncé, her twins and two "bodyguards" in suits who accompanied her to the high-profile event beat out other favorites like a Corgi CTA bus and English bull dog Wonder Woman for best costume, while Hannah Johnson, her 6-month-old daughter Charlotte and dog Quincy dressed in matching jeans and striped shirts to take home the look-alike prize.
The Best Trick award went to Sweet Sundance for an impressive jump rope set with her owner, a duo who has also performed on "The Late Show," "Good Morning America," National Geographic and more.
Winners were given a custom plaque made by Edgewater Workbench and a gift basket provided by Bark Bark Club, as well as the admiration of spectators.
Nick Butkovich's beautiful red and blue parrots didn't participate in the contest, but still managed to draw a crowd.
Butkovich acquired Sam, 27, and Bruno, 31, 18 years ago when his former business partner died of pancreatic cancer.
Since then, he's fulfilled the role of caretaker, fastening together a baby stroller-turned-parrot cart that contains space for the birds to stand, ride and eat snacks. Butkovich said the birds should live until they're about 80.
Get a look at the pet parade below. Photos by DNAinfo/Linze Rice.
