Decked-Out Dogs Coming to Fountain Valley

Dogs in capes, tutus and other costumes are invited to compete Saturday in Holy Spirit Catholic Church's third annual Best Dressed Pooch Contest & Dog Parade in Fountain Valley.

The 4:30 p.m. contest is part of the parish’s Taste of Holy Spirit festival, a three-day event expected to draw 3,000 to 4,000 humans.

City Councilman Michael Vo will join Miss Fountain Valley Andrea Licata and Fr. Damian Giap of St. Michael’s Abbey to judge the canine costumes.

All dogs who participate will receive a prize, but the top three will take home $200 cash, a $100 gift certificate to Dog Park Inn in Newport Beach and a $50 gift card to in Fountain Valley, respectively.

Last year, 17 dogs competed, including a canine cowboy, Superdog and a barking ballerina. This year’s competition looks to be stiffer, with nearly 40 dogs already registered.

The dog festivities are a fun way to bring the community together, said Carla Orozco, music director for Holy Spirit parish and entertainment coordinator for Taste of Holy Spirit. “It’s just incredible. I’ve seen this grow in the past couple of years we’ve been doing it and the dogs are amazing,” Orozco said.

Taste of Holy Spirit is a three-day festival featuring food booths, games, rides, a petting zoo, pony rides, a meet-and-greet with the Fountain Valley Fire Department, and entertainers such as Paul Pulcini, who sings Frank Sinatra and Neil Diamond hits, and the Swing Kittens. Admission is free.

Holy Spirit Catholic Church is at 17270 Ward St.

For more information on the dog contest or the festival, call Carla at 323-707-4331 or visit tasteofholyspirit.com.