Scarlet Maddux, 10, and her dog, Russell, dress like Winnie the Pooh characters during the San Juan Capistrano Kids Pet Parade on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Homer travels in style with his custom-made VW van during the San Juan Capistrano Kids Pet Parade on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. The car was built by owner Sergio Prado. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Denna Moosawi, 9, and her bearded dragon, Hooshang, take part in the exotic animal category of the San Juan Capistrano Kids Pet Parade on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Children wait to show off their animals during the San Juan Capistrano Kids Pet Parade on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Lucky, a miniature horse, performs during the San Juan Capistrano Kids Pet Parade with owner Claudia Bradford on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Chewbacca, a 4-month-old dachshund, wears a hot dog costume while taking part in the San Juan Capistrano Kids Pet Parade on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Parisa Sina, 11, shows off her guinea pig, Crystal, during the San Juan Capistrano Kids Pet Parade on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Daisy, a cockatiel, perches on 7-year-old Ella Tegin’s shoulder during the San Juan Capistrano Kids Pet Parade on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Brruno, left, meets a new friend at the San Juan Capistrano Kids Pet Parade costume contest on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Scarlet Maddux, 10, and her dog, Russell, dress like Winnie the Pooh characters while competing in the San Juan Capistrano Kids Pet Parade costume contest on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
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Scarlet Maddux, 10, and her dog, Russell, dress like Winnie the Pooh characters during the San Juan Capistrano Kids Pet Parade on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Furry, feathered and scaly friends marched through Los Rios Park in San Juan Capistrano Saturday afternoon for its annual pet parade.
The parade, featuring animals of all kinds — dogs, cats, ducks, birds and ponies — is one of the kickoff events the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association hosts before its annual Swallows Day Parade on March 22.
“This is one of the most fun things we do because of the innocence of the kids and the stuff they come up with is absolutely hysterical,” said Fiesta Association President Jim Taylor.
The Swallows Day Parade celebrates the return of the swallows, a small species of bird, to the San Juan Capistrano Mission.
Taylor said that winners of any of the pet parade categories — best team costume, best barnyard animal and best household pet — are invited to participate in the Swallows Day Parade.
Swallows Day is on March 19, but the parade is held a few days later. That parade is set for 11 a.m.
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