COVINGTON, Ky. — Covington went to the dogs on Sunday, July 2. The city’s parks and recreation department sponsored an Independence Day Dog Parade. 

What You Need To Know

  • Covington Parks and Recreationsponsored an Independence Day Dog Parade

  • This was the first pooch parade the city has thrown and hopes to do it again

  • Residents say its a great opportunity to bring the community closer

Program coordinator Alicia Chappell says the department is always looking for new ways for community members to get out and enjoy the city.

“We’re trying to bring new things to the city with a lot of new events and just try to give the people what they want,” Chappell said.

The Fourth of July is revered holiday for Lori Haggard, whose dog took part in the parade.

“I think it means freedom for our country and for all the lives that went before us to celebrate freedom for our beautiful country,” she said.

Haggard and her basset-beagle, Maisie, said the parade gave her a chance to connect with others in the area and meet people she might not otherwise get a chance to interact with.

“I think it really brings the community together. Covington just opened not too long ago a dog park and I’ve met a lot of great people that are right up the street and I would have never known had I went to the dog park and with things like this so it’s wonderful,” Haggard said.

LIllian Switzer and her pooch also took part in the parade. She agreed with Haggard and it providing an opportunity for people to get out and enjoy the city. She said, “I feel like so many more people come together and spend time with other people instead of being at home on their phones.”

Besides the parade, dogs got the chance to compete in the “most patriotic dog” contest and Maisie was the runner-up.

Chappell said the parks and recreation department wants to keep the going for years to come and they hope to grow the event as time goes on.