2021 pet parade features hometown heroes

A record crowd was entertained during the 2021 Carter County Fair Pet Parade last Friday. Seventeen entries consisted of a variety of pets. The animals included a duck, a goat, a Highlander, horses, a llama, a pony, sheep and dogs of all shapes and sizes.

Hometown Heroes, being the theme, brought up many hilarious, clever and heartfelt entries. Ranchers, farmers, firefighters, EMS, law officers, teachers, Dahl Memorial Healthcare providers and linemen were some of the heroes recognized in the program.

The judges had some tough decisions but when the dust settled Tye Kalstrom was awarded first place ($50) for his lineman theme with his sheep also dressed as a lineman. He wants to be a lineman just like his dad and granddad when he grows up.

Second place was split between two competitors who each received $15. One was Ryah Carroll and her puppy dressed up as her grandfather, Tom Carroll, a Carter County rural firefighter. The other, Sameen Linch, was impersonating a Dahl Memorial Healthcare worker. Her pet was dressed as the coronavirus.

Third place went to Holly Walker as a teacher and her French Bulldog as the student in honor of four generations of teachers in her family.

Five of the entries competed in the most talented duo category. The audience selected Holly Walker and her bulldog as the most talented duo ($25.) The little dog did everything from twirling around on her hind legs to eating grasshoppers!

Thanks to Carter County Fair Board for the prize monies and Alkali, Inc. for sponsoring the event. Everyone can't wait until next year!