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The 75th Atlanta Fall Festival brought plenty of
small-town charm to the weekend, and the annual pet show proved once
again to be a highlight for families. Dozens of animals competed in
categories that emphasized fun over formality, with organizers
reminding the crowd, “I want to emphasize it’s a family friendly
competition, it’s just for fun.”
The contest, sponsored for the second year by Diane Bicknell of the
Fall Festival Committee and supported by State Farm, featured ten
categories. Each winner received a $10 Walmart certificate courtesy
of State Farm agent Chris Coyne, while all participants went home
with ribbons.
Judges Ardith Deters, Debbie Vanhorn, Susan Gordon, and Bicknell
watched as pets and their owners entered the ring. Despite the
sweltering heat, the event drew an enthusiastic crowd who clapped,
cheered, and even helped choose the “crowd favorite” by volume of
applause.
Among the standouts was Buckly, a 4-month-old Golden
Retriever who twirled his way to victory in the Best Trick contest.
He soon returned for the route 66 themed section in his hot dog
outfit alongside his owner, dressed as a hot dog stand employee,
embracing the Paul Bunyan theme tied to Route 66. Buckly’s playful
performance earned him admiration even as the lone competitor in his
category.
Sheldon, a 4-month-old Piebald Dachshund, captured hearts in more
ways than one. Dressed in a hot dog costume, he won Cutest Baby
Animal and also claimed Smallest Pet. Sheldon’s unique coloring of
chocolate and affectionate personality towards the other contestants
earned cheers in several rounds.
Other competitors included Palsley, a dog dressed as an Ewok from
Star Wars; Oliver, a feline with his owner sporting Harry Potter
robes; and Bernadette, a dog decked out in route 66 swag along with
his owner, sporting a hawaiian shirt, route 66 hat, and a retro
camera. Bernadette not only took home the Route 66 Costume prize but
also secured the Crowd Favorite award after loud cheers from the
audience.
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The Largest Pet category went to Kai, a white German
shepherd who towered over the smaller contestants. Meanwhile, Chloe
earned laughs and applause of the winner of “So Ugly They’re Cute.”
Pasley won Most Interesting or Unique.
Beyond the competition, Diane Bicknell from the local
rescue squad distributed special fire safety stickers to attendees.
Families were encouraged to place the decals in their windows at
home, signaling how many pets live in the household. “We hope you
never need it, but our people do look if you have pets,” one
volunteer explained. Extra stickers were handed out after the event
for anyone who wanted to prepare their homes.
The show’s lighthearted spirit was summed up by Bicknell, who has
sponsored the event for two years. “This is just such a fun thing,
and last year the crowd was bigger. But it is pretty darn hot. Nice
bunch of people—it’s a nice place here,” she said. As a member of
the Logan County Humane Society, she emphasized the importance of
positive, family-centered gatherings.
With costumes, laughter, and plenty of wagging tails, the pet show
captured the essence of the Atlanta Fall Festival: community,
celebration, and fun for all ages.
[Sophia Larimore]
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