Event Photo Gallery

The parade is organized in the style of a dog show competition. The Creature Parade takes place Friday, November 26, at 5:00 p.m. and will start at the Oneonta Library parking lot. This is a walking parade from the Oneonta Public Library down 1st Avenue to the Gazebo. Decorated wagons, strollers or other pet carriers are accepted in the parade. All of God’s creatures are welcome. Please see Parade Guidelines for details & rules. Safety first!

​The first creatures to arrive in costume will be checked in and registered to begin the parade. Identifying numbers must be worn at all times for Santa’s Helpers to judge the contestants. Santa will lead the stroll from the Library down to the Gazebo. A winner and numerous runner ups will be awarded prizes at the end of the parade. 

CONTEST CATEGORIES

  1. Best In Snow Grand Prize – This year’s “Best in Snow” wins a special grand prize.
  2. Santa Paws Award– Best Child & Pet Costume Category
  3. Raise the Ruff Award – Most creative costume Award
  4. Me and My Furballs – Best Owner Handler Look Alike Costume Award
  5. Leader of the Pack – Groups of Creatures & Handlers in Costume Award
  6. Nightmare Before Christmas– Ugliest Creature Award
  7. Ain’t no laws with Santa Paws – Most Hilarious Costume Award
  8. Snoop Dogg’s Night Before Crizzle – Most Like a Celebrity Award
  9. To Gnome Me is to Love Me – Smallest Creature Award
  10. The Abominable Snow Monster – Largest Creature Award

SPONSORS-TO-DATE

Blount County Co-Op
Blount County Tractor
​Lisa Wester Interiors
Southern Exposure Photography

Pat H. Clanton
​Robbie & Leanne McAlpine
Tara Murphree

REQUEST FOR SPONSORSHIP

All proceeds will benefit the Animal Adoption Center of Blount County and Crossing Paths Animal Rescue for the maintenance and upkeep of shelter pets. The parade represents a unique opportunity for you to bring your brand and marketing to an audience of caring creature owners. We welcome set up of table and tent for sampling or to build your brand awareness. You may even have other ideas to participate such as creature grooming stations or photo area. The more unique the better!

Partnership Packages:  Suggested Donation Levels

Deck the Paws Event Sponsorship $500 (1 available)
Full Sponsorship Includes: Tent and table set-up. Grants headliner rights to event branding, social media and website content, and promotion. Your business name will be shared and promoted across all Oneonta Business Association social media pages, OBA email blasts and  includes 1 full page/full color ad in the OBA's Explore Oneonta magazine.
 
Santa’s Yelper Sponsorship $250
Sponsorship Includes: Space for your tent and table set-up. Your business will be promoted in conjunction with all event social media and marketing and mentioned in OBA email blasts and receive a half-page full color ad in the OBA's Explore Oneonta magazine.
 
Fleas Navidog Sponsorship $100
Sponsorship Includes: Space for your tent and table set-up. Business name listed with all event marketing.
 
Dachshund Through the Snow Sponsorship $50
Donation for businesses or individuals for the support and care of all shelter pets at the Blount County Animal Shelter and Crossing Paths Animal Rescue. Your name will be recognized for your contribution! And, your heart will grow three sizes! ​

EVENT GUIDELINES & RULES

  • The Creature Parade takes place Friday, November 26, 5:00 p.m., and will start at the Oneonta Library parking lot. This is a walking parade from the Library down 1st Avenue to the Gazebo.
  • Check-in begins at 4:00 p.m. on the day of the event.
  • First 100 registered participants to check in receive a special treat.
  • Pet-friendly activities include a photos with Santa Claus and a Creature Costume Contest.
  • Registration is $10 per creature and benefits the the Animal Adoption Center of Blount County and Crossing Paths Animal Rescue.
  • Walk-ups on day of event are $15 per creature.
  • All creatures MUST be pre-registered to participate in the parade.
  • Register early to compete for prizes in the parade.
  • Registration tags must be worn at all times.
  • No more than one creature permitted per handler.
  • Creatures must be leashed at all times and under the control of their handlers.
  • Aggressive creatures are not permitted. The OBA reserves the right to refuse entry to or remove any animal thought to be dangerous to visitors or other pets.
  • If your pet is nervous in large crowds or around other animals, please consider leaving him/her at home.
  • Decorated wagons, strollers, or other pet carriers are welcome in the parade.
  • Creature handlers are required to clean-up after their pets with pet waste bags.
  • Creatures must be current on all vaccinations and spayed/neutered.
  • The Creature Parade is rain or shine, and no refunds will be issued.
  • Most importantly, use good judgement on all matters concerning your pet.

QUESTIONS?

Contact Lisa Wester 205.966.8346 or email lisaswester@icloud.com.

FIRST STEP TO ENTER YOUR PRECIOUS PET

Complete a form for EACH pet you wish to enter.

    Registration Form for Christmas Creatures Parade

    Please complete this form for each participating creature.
    RELEASE/INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT: For and in consideration of my being allowed to participate in the indicated CHRISTMAS CREATURES PARADE, I, the undersigned, do hereby agree to release, acquit, and forever discharge the CHRISTMAS CREATURES PARADE, the Oneonta Business Association, its members, officers, agents, employees, servants, successors, and assigns and all other persons, firms, corporations, or other legal entities sponsoring, promoting, or otherwise associated with the Oneonta Business Association, from any and all claims, lawsuits, demands, actions, causes of actions, whether sounding or tort, contract, or other theory of law, whether for compensatory or punitive damages, whether known or unknown, which have previously existed, now exist, or could hereafter exist, arising from, connected with, or otherwise related in any way whatsoever to my participation in the CHRISTMAS CREATURES PARADE.  And furthermore, I do hereby agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Oneonta Business Association for the payment of any claim or demand of judgment arising out of or related to my participation in the CHRISTMAS CREATURES PARADE including the payment of the costs, expenses, and reasonable attorney’s fees incurred by the Oneonta Business Association.  By clicking on the SUBMIT button, I here by pledge that I have read the rules, restrictions, release, and indemnification agreement associated with this application and hereby agree to comply with said rules, restrictions, release, and indemnification agreement.  

NEXT, PAY YOUR FEE USING OUR PAYPAL PORTAL

Just click on the pay now to pay using your debit or credit card. 
Note:  If you do not wish to pay online, you may mail a check or money order to OBA, P. O. BOX 1976, ONEONTA, AL 35121.
You may also hand-deliver your payment in a sealed envelope with "OBA" and put it in our "mailbox" at our office at 110 1st Avenue East.  Our "mailbox" is located in the back hallway inside the 110 building in Oneonta.
Oneonta Business Association
110 First Avenue East
P. O. Box 1976
Oneonta, Alabama 35121
Office 205.813.7194
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