Easter on Parade draws thousands to Monument Avenue extravaganza

SLIDESHOW: Easter on Parade

Walking down a four-block stretch of Monument Avenue yesterday afternoon, it was easy to suffer from sensory overload.

The senses were set upon from all directions -- smells of funnel cakes and simmering sausages; sights of people and dogs traversing the historic street dressed up in unusual, often homemade headgear; and sounds of music emanating from porches and sidewalks.

All in all, thousands of people enjoyed a sunny Easter afternoon at the annual Easter on Parade, a Monument Avenue extravaganza between Davis and Allen avenues.

"This is definitely an event for everybody," said Lisa Sims, director of events for the festival's sponsor, Venture Richmond. "Easter on Parade is something we consider a Richmond tradition. Human, canine -- everybody has a great time."

Sims estimated that 25,000 to 30,000 people attended yesterday's event, which dates to 1973.

Hats and other assorted pet adornments like bandannas, ribbons and even bunny ears were in full effect as dogs and their owners walked along Monument Avenue. Some dogs used four wheels instead of four legs to get around, riding in strollers or wagons.

Greyhounds Kulee, Money, Rory and Elphie sported homemade flower-covered bonnets during the festival. They drew a crowd as people stopped to pull out camera phones and digital cameras to snap pictures of the sleek canines, three of which are retired racers.

"It brings a lot of attention to greyhounds," said Sheila Armel of Goochland County. "It shows they are adoptable and that they need adoption."

Elphie struggled to keep the pink-flowered hat on; each time she shook her head, the hat came loose. But dressing up isn't unusual for the dogs -- Armel said the dogs usually wear costumes for Halloween as well.

While the animals were decked out in their Easter finest, their human counterparts wore equally attention-grabbing headgear.

Sisters Mary Jacque Mann Ferguson and Barbara Mann attended Easter on Parade with friend Janice Bittner of Winchester. The three were wearing hats they made for the event; flowers encircled the brims and a different creature sat atop each one.

"It's great fun. It's a blast. It's fun to see the dogs socializing as much as the people are," said Bittner, whose hat was topped with a dove.

Along a stretch of road that typically sees cars zooming around, there were different forms of entertainment for festivalgoers. Catherine Crouch, 8, and Daniela Romero, 7, had color tints sprayed into their hair. Nearby, puppets sang and danced to Kool and the Gang's "Celebration."

In front of the Jefferson Davis statue, the Richmond-based dance group More or Less Morris performed traditional English dance that dates to the 11th century.

And for some, the fun may have been in strolling along the street looking at the homes that line Monument Avenue.

"People drive up and down Monument Avenue, but they seldom have an opportunity to walk, leisurely, and really enjoy the beauty of Monument Avenue," Sims said.

Contact Jeremy Slayton at (804) 649-6861 or .