By Ken Gustafson

AMERICUS – The Americus Kiwanis Club presents the annual Kiwanis Pet Parade coming this Thursday. Charlene Pennymon, Kiwanis Pet Parade committee chair, would like for the community to help the Americus Kiwanis Club and the Sumter Humane Society by bringing a donation.
According to Pennymon, people can donate dry or canned food, treats, clothing for pets, collars, coats, or monetary gifts. The checks can be made payable to the Sumter Human Society.
“We want to make sure that all of our furry friends know just how much we love them,” Pennymon said. “We have begun a new pet supply campaign, which our committee will be kicking off very soon.” Pennymon said the Americus Kiwanis Club will accept any and all donations. “If necessary, we will be glad to come to you and pick it up,” Pennymon said.
According to Pennymon, registration for the parade will begin at 3:30 p.m. in front of the First Presbyterian Church located on South Jackson Street and the parade will begin at 4 p.m.
“We will march up to Forsyth Street and then we will make a left onto Forsyth,” Pennymon said. “We will then make a left on to Cotton Avenue and will go back down Lamar Street and then back down South Jackson, so it’s just right around the square there.”
Pennymon said there will be costume contests. “We will give out costume awards to children that come in costumes for first, second and third place,” Pennymon said. “We are also giving out an award to a pet dressed in a costume as well. We’ve got some pretty good entries. You would be amazed at what pets allow their owners to dress them in.”
Pennymon said she and the Kiwanis Club are hoping to have the Sumter Humane Society out there at the event. “We’re wanting them to walk with us in the parade with pets that have the ‘Adopt me’ vests on so that people will know these pets are available for adoption,” Pennymon said.
This will be the 71st pet parade here in Americus. “It has been around here a long time,” Pennymon said, adding that Dr. Henry Teaford, a long-time physician here in Americus, was one of the first people to ride in the inaugural pet parade back in 1947. “We are hoping that Dr. Teaford will be the Grand Marshal in this one,” Pennymon said.
Pennymon said there will be judges from Georgia Southwestern State University who will be on hand to judge the costume contest.
Following the Pet Parade, designated downtown merchants have Trick or Treat for local children who must wear a special arm band to be eligible. This is put on by Main Street Americus and participating merchants.