Mardi Paws: Meet Rosie and Tim Vance, grand marshals of the 2025 parade

Published 3:04 pm Monday, January 27, 2025

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NATCHEZ — Sunday, Feb. 23, marks the 3rd-annual Mardi Paws Parade hosted by Hoofbeats and PawPrints Rescue.

It will be held at the Natchez Bluff across from Smoots from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

“This year, we are thrilled to announce Rosie and Tim Vance as the Grand Marshals of the event,” said Jay Fitch of HPR. “Rosie, who was abandoned and starving while trying to raise a litter of puppies on her own last fall was brought to safety by Tim Vance. After gaining her trust, Tim not only saved her and her puppies but also adopted Rosie into his family. Their heartwarming story makes them the perfect pair to lead this year’s parade.”

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The Mardi Paws Parade, HPR’s largest fundraiser of the year, is a free-to-attend, family-friend event though a $10 registration or donation is requested of parade participants.

All participating pets will receive special treats and those who donate $25 or more will receive a commemorative hat, Fitch said. Registration begins at 1:45 p.m. on the day of the event.

“This free, family-friendly event will kick off with a traditional Mardi Gras-style Parade, complete with music, beads, and well-behaved pooches and their owners from throughout the area dressed in festive Mardi Gras-themed costumes,” Fitch said. “The parade will march along the scenic Natchez Bluff,” with Mayor Dan Gibson and First Lady Marla Gibson serving as judges.

The parade will also feature a variety of exciting competitions, said Fitch, including:

·      Best Costume (Most Creative, Best Dressed Dog, Best Dressed Dog/Owner Combo)

·      Best Animal Float (Non-motorized pet parade floats, such as small wagons or pet strollers)

·      Best Dressed Cat Photo Contest (Submit a photo of your feline friend and keep them safely at home for this one!)

“The parade will conclude along ‘Bour-bone Street,’” North Broadway near High Street, said Fitch, where attendees can enjoy a variety of Mardi Gras activities.

The celebration — decked out in purple, green, and gold — will feature: discounted pet microchipping for $25 done on-site by Southside Veterinary Clinic; professional pet photos by Petersen Photography; refreshments from Della’s Lemonade Stand; homemade pet treats from Girl Scout Troop 3745; and free nail trimming by Pet Sense.

“HPR is a local non-profit organization that partners with area shelters and individual rescuers to coordinate care, veterinary screening, and transport for animals to no-kill adoption centers. Each year, HPR helps over 1,500 pets and works tirelessly to raise awareness for pet rescue and adoption,” Fitch said.

“This year’s parade will also feature overlooked but highly adoptable pets from HPR who are still searching for their forever homes.

For more information, or to submit your Best Dressed Cat photo, please email info.hprescue@gmail.com or text your cat photo along with your name and contact information to Marie Gasquet at 601-597-9350.

It’s also not too late for individuals and businesses to become sponsors to help HPR reach is fundraising goal of $15,000 to support their life-saving work of rescuing animals in need, Fitch said

Sponsorship levels are as follows: Individual, $100; Bronze, $200 to $350; Silver, $350 to $500; gold, $500 to $999; and platinum, $1,000 or more.

Sponsors receive perks such as community recognition, promotional opportunities, and the satisfaction of helping animals in need.

Those interested in becoming a sponsor can text 601-597-9350 or email info.hprescue@gmail.com to learn more.