The Annual Puppy Parade

The Narragansett Community Band has never had a children’s march at it's concerts. The kids at the programs seem content to listen to the music and respond just like the older listeners -- they sing along, clap, sway, or tap their feet to the cadence. Years ago, Director Stephen Babineau tried a stunt that might entertain audience members of all ages: why not promenade pooches around the common while the band plays a march tune. The tune was, of course, “The Whistler and his Dog.”

Years later, people from all over are calling and writing (as early as March or April) for the date of the dog walk. Some have explained that they are planning vacations around the date! Possibly, some are starting the designs for the grooming, the costumes, the diets, whatever. Now, anywhere from 40 to 60 dogs generally report to the Templeton Common, at the intersection of Rte. 2A and 101 in Templeton, MA, anxiously waiting for the downbeat of their “special” march.

The dogs range from pocket varieties to Danes and mastiffs, matched sets of terriers to Dalmatians, poodles and pugs. Last year, a boy with a clearly hybrid dog was asked what breed it was. "Dog" was the reply. When the big announcement is made, owners grab leashes (or handles of baby carriages) and promenade around the common, stopping for occasional pets or canine kisses. Some canines are in costume, some are meticulously groomed, but many come “as they are.” At the end of the march, every pooch wins "first prize," which is a bag with a few dog biscuits. Every owner receives a lollipop.

To date, there have never been any disruptions or unfriendly displays at the event. The dogs are remarkably well-behaved. Generally, they don’t even talk during the rest of the concert. Barrels are provided, but owners are requested to "see after their own."