By Diana Cavagnaro
Gaslamp goes “to the dogs”
Downtown ACE Hardware and Market Veterinary Clinic presented the Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade on Dec. 14.
The afternoon began with a fun Pet Expo that was free to the public. Arrays of booths were set up with dog products such as Bark Bling, Camp Bow Wow, Rosie Barkery, and Four Paw Rescues, and many vendors had “spin the wheel” for added entertainment. As the contestants began to arrive, many dog watchers came out to see all the festivities.
At 3 p.m. the contestants began congregating under the Gaslamp archway. The dogs and their owners walked up Fifth Avenue to E Street and then back down Fourth Avenue for a three-quarter mile walk. The sidewalks were filled with crowds of people (and dogs) encouraging them on. The parade was a huge hit, with pets “dressed” in a variety of costumes, such as Santa Claus, reindeers, elves, and an assortment of holiday themes.
The afternoon wrapped up with the announcements of the winners, which were presented by DoozyDog Club and The San Diego Humane Society & SPCA.
Winner of “Best Costume Made Out of Duct Tape,” presented by Downtown Ace Hardware, was Jackie Silva and Sammie the Maltipoo; “Ugliest Christmas Sweater” went to Scott Bowen and Luca the Cocker Spaniel; “Cutest Critter” was Ronit Kugelmass and Pia the Yorkie; “Best Pet Costume” went to Tiffany Thater and Zoila the Pomeranian; “Best (non-canine) Pet Costume” went to Peter Miller-Keys and Kendra II, the pedigreed Somali cat; “Best Pet Holiday Costume” went to Jennifer and Corey Dobbs and Ferra and Ozzie; winner of “Best Costumed Duo” were Elle North Toyer and Kindle; “Best Costumed Group” went to Jan Savage and Sir Ruffles von Vicious; and “Best in Show” was Heather and Lori Signs with Muttley Cyrus and Rambo as Canine Candyland.
The “Best in Show” will lead off next year’s parade as the 2015 Grand Marshal. If you missed all the dog-gone fun activities this year, visit gaslamp.org for next year’s information and parade date.
Wish upon a snowflake
Also on Dec. 14 was the “Wish Upon A Snowflake” fashion show and toy drive at Jolt ‘n Joe’s Downtown. This holiday event was presented by Lady Lane and featured an evening of fashion, music, and shopping. Between each segment, guests could do some holiday shopping with incredible jewelry from The Space Drop, beautiful scented candles by Elia Candles, must-have shoes and eyewear by Shoe Traffic, Stick Wit It Apparel, and cosmetics from Mary Kay. Peggy Chisam, a Mary Kay consultant, said that for the last 52 years Mary Kay has donated $3 million a year for domestic violence and women’s cancers.
The evening showcased independent designers on the catwalk, and in keeping with the theme, the runway was decorated with snowflakes. The crowd was entertained by tunes from Lavelle and then Digital Lizards of Doom.
The lineup featured C.DeveYale, Sass Creation, The Write Fit, and Brooke Journey. Norma Hill photographs art, nature, and graffiti around the world and then turns it into incredible designs by printing on the fabric. One of the standouts was an exquisite green satin skirt with a New York graffiti top, which was finished with Berlin graffiti on the collar and waist.
The finale brought Lady Lane — a local designer who creates vintage inspired fashion designs — to the runway. Lane takes the old and turns it into the new. You may have most recently spotted her unique designs at Fashion Week San Diego 2014.
Guests were encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy for the charity drive. Event proceeds and toys went to Polinsky Children’s Center and Rady Children’s Hospital.
Upcoming Events
Jan. 14 | Visionary — this fashion show will be presented by RAW SD at the House of Blues San Diego from 6 – 10 p.m. It will showcase local artists and feature a fashion show, an art gallery, film screening and musical performances. For more information visit rawartists.org
Jan. 30 | In Style Bollywood~The Spice of Life — The 24th annual fashion show and luncheon at the University Club atop Symphony Towers will be hosted by the Iris Auxiliary beginning at 11:30 a.m. Mistress of ceremonies will be Sandra Maas of KUSI-TV and the show will feature Haute Couture fashions by Lizz Russell. Proceeds will benefit San Diego Center for Children. For more information call 619-563-1249.
Feb. 8 | Winter Bridal Bazaar — Three fashion shows will be presented throughout the day at the San Diego Convention Center. For more information call 760-334-5500.
—Diana Cavagnaro is a nationally recognized hat designer and milliner and for the last 20 years she’s operated her business from Downtown San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter while moonlighting in the fashion department at San Diego Mesa College. She can be reached at [email protected].
