Southeastern NEWS

                                                       Southeastern Louisiana University
                                           Office of University Relations
                                           SLU 880, Hammond, LA 70402
                                           504/549-2341/fax 504-549-2061
                                           publicinfo@selu.edu
                                           www.selu.edu/NewsEvents
    Date: 3/20/98
      Contact:                           Christina Chapple  5

POOCHES TO PARADE DURING  HAMMOND AZALEA FESTIVAL
     HAMMOND -- Hammond's March 27-29 Azalea Festival will "go to the dogs" on
Saturday (March 28) when Southeastern Louisiana University's Cultural Resource Management
Program stages a fun fundraiser, the Krewe of Rex Pooch Parade.
     Area dog owners are invited to gather with their pets at Cate Square for registration at
noon and to join a canine caravan through downtown Hammond at 1 p.m. The parade will return
to the downtown park at 2 p.m. for the coronation of the Azalea Festival "Pooch King and
Queen."
     The parade is all in good fun for good cause. The $5 registration fee will benefit  the
Friends of the Shelter, a support group for Tangipahoa Parish Animal Control.
     "This is an excellent opportunity for animal lovers to support the Friends of the Shelter
and have a great time," said Friends President Kellen Gilbert, a member of Southeastern's
Sociology, Social Work and Criminal Justice faculty. "Everyone recognizes the importance of
the Shelter and the difference it is making."
     "I've had so much fun with our dog in the Krewe of Barkus in New Orleans at Mardi Gras
that I thought it was time to do a dog parade in Hammond. I can't wait to see who is crowned
king and queen of the Azalea Festival," said Don Marshall, director of the CMS program. 
     Marshall said prizes will be given for best costumes and pet-owner look-alike at an
animal fair following the parade. Costuming is encouraged, but not mandatory, he added. 
     Area businesses have donated items for a special raffle. The one dollar tickets give buyers
three chances to win gifts from Hammond Feed and Seed, Rose's Pet World, Howntown Farm
and Garden, Ponchatoula Feed and Seed, Exotic Pet and Supply, Tangi Feed and Seed, 
                                 (MORE) 
AZALEA POOCH PARADE -- Add One

Zemurray's II, Tangi Dog Training.
     The Azalea Festival will also include the Hammond Arts Awards, Azalea Art Walk, and
Dancing in the Street 50s style dance on Friday and a home and garden tour on Sunday. Joining
the pooch parade on Saturday are the Azalea Farmer's Market, strawberry cooking contest and
floral and gardening demonstrations.
     For additional information about the Azalea Festival and pooch parade, call 504-549-
2193.
                                 - SLU -
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