When Juli Saab-Jones was asked to organize this year’s Benedum Festival Pet Parade, she admits she hesitated.

 

Though she is an avid dog lover and pet rescue advocate, she wasn’t sure she could devote the attention necessary to make it successful.

 

Her mind was quickly made up.

 

“I prayed about it, then that day, Jennifer Cole posted a throwback Thursday picture to Facebook – of her golden retriever dressed in a WVU shirt in the Benedum Festival Pet Parade,” Saab-Jones said. “So I said, ‘OK God, I can take this on.’”

 

And she certainly has.

 

Saab-Jones has hit the ground running, organizing contests, gathering prizes and putting her own spin on an activity which the community has come to love and look forward to.

 

“So many kids in the area look forward to this – and adults, too,” she said. “It was rained out last year and so many people were disappointed.”

 

Saab-Jones decided to keep the pet parade much like in years past, incorporating a procession through Bridgeport City Park, followed by some fun contests – categories including cutest, smartest, ugliest, best singer and owner/pet look alike, among others.

 

“But because my heart lies in rescue work, I also wanted to incorporate that as much as possible, too,” she said. “So I’ve invited Pet Helpers to come with some adoptable pets. They’ll be dressed up in costumes and participate in the parade to showcase them. There will also be education about pet rescue and P.U.R.R. West Virginia will be here, too, with Percy the Purr West Virginia Cat.”

 

Also on board with Saturday’s pet parade will be Kelly Rollyson of Windy Pines Boarding Kennel.

 

“Kelly is with the Clarksburg Kennel Club and does obedience. She’ll have an obstacle course with tubes and poles set up,” Saab-Jones said. “Anyone can put their dog in it.”

 

There is on cost for that activity or any others associated with the Benedum Festival Pet Parade.

 

The action starts at 10 a.m. with a blessing of pets by Fairmont’s Barbara Grigg, author of “Answers About Pets From the Bible (It's All Good!)”

 

“Then, we’ll go straight into the parade around City Park, with contests starting at 11 a.m.,” Saab-Jones said.

 

A trio of celebrity judges, including WDTV’s Nate Smail will do the honors. Winners will be awarded blue ribbons.

 

The event will also feature a free agility course and educational opportunities, particularly with regard to pet rescue.

 

“We’ll also have some spay and neuter vouchers for dogs and cats that we will randomly give away,” Saab-Jones said.

 

She said she looks forward to Saturday and activities which revolve around pets – something quite important to her.

 

On a daily basis, Saab-Jones enjoys her dogs Zeus, Chanel, Sophie, Brownie and Gumbo – the latter, a 219-pound mastiff (pictured).

 

But Saab-Jones reminds pet parade enthusiasts that the event is not just for canines.

 

“In years past, we’ve had lizards, birds, a horse, chinchilla, turtle, hamster and sugar gliders,” she said. “It’s always interesting.”