Madeleine Weil - Deputy Director of Policy & Communications, Mickey Mallonee - Director of Special Events and Kathleen Gibi - Parks and Recreation Public Affairs Specialist presented a check to Tim Adams - Executive Director and Kathy Darnell - Deputy Director of the Young-Williams Animal Center. The check was the culmination of the proceeds from the Mardi Growl Dog Parade to benefit the Young-Williams Animal Center.

The first-ever Mardi Growl Dog Parade on February 2 was created to raise awareness of the city's new downtown dog park, which is expected to open sometime later this year, and support the adoption efforts of the Young-Williams Animal Center.

Smokey IX, the University of Tennessee's mascot, led the parade in a red convertible while more than 350, mostly costumed, dogs took to the streets of downtown Knoxville.

The Mardi Growl was presented by PetSafe Village and Invisible Fence Brand and produced by the City of Knoxville.

The parade was highlighted by the selection of the Mardi Growl Royal Court as well as the awarding of the prestigious "Nekkid Dog Award" for best non-costumed dog.

The inaugural parade raised more than $1,800 for the Young-Williams Animal Center and the city is developing the Mardi Growl Dog Parade into an annual event.