Wearing their finest Irish attire, 35 purebred and mixed breed dogs from around the Lehigh Valley shared in some St. Patrick’s Day fun. They strutted their stuff in a friendly Celtic canine costume competition in historic North Bethlehem March 16.

Sponsored by Donegal Square Celtic gift shop, the Celtic Doggie Parade took place at Donegal Square shortly before the Bethlehem St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The doggie parade consisted of three costume categories: Best Dressed Pup; Best Dog and Owner Costumes; and Wild Card, a category that allowed judges to select any costumed dog of their choice. Judges for the event included Kelly Bauer, executive director of the Center for Animal Health and Welfare in Easton, and her colleagues: Jessica Schwickrath and Connie Harvey.

Parade emcee, Beth Barry, said that the owners of winning dogs were each awarded a $25 gift certificate for the Donegal Square Celtic gift shop. Proceeds from the event’s $10 entry fee benefit the Center for Animal Health and Welfare in Easton. “The most fun part of the doggie parade was seeing the dogs and owners come out for a great cause and make new friends,” said Barry, who noted that Donegal Square may sponsor a Halloween Doggie Parade next fall before the Bethlehem Halloween Parade.