The City presented a check from the proceeds from the 2009 Mardi Growl Dog Parade to the Young-Williams Animal Center at Young-Williams Animal Center, 3201 Division Street.

Joe Walsh, Director of the City of Knoxville's Park's and Recreation Department presented the check and Tim Adams, Executive Director of the Young-Williams Animal Center accepted on the animal center's behalf.

The date for the 2010 Mardi Growl was announced for February 13, 2010 during the check ceremony.

More than 500 dogs, most wearing costumes, and roughly 1,000 of their human companions participated in the second annual Mardi Growl Dog Parade on Feb. 21, in downtown Knoxville.

With Rudy, a Labrador Retriever who portrayed Marley in the movie "Marley & Me," leading the way as grand marshal the parade also included selection of a Mardi Growl Royal Court of festively costumed dogs.

The colorful parade raises awareness and funds for the Young-Williams Animal Center's pet adoption efforts. The Mardi Growl was presented by PetSafe Village and Invisible Fence Brand and was produced by the City of Knoxville and the Young-Williams Animal Center.

This year's event generated more than $6,000 for the center and led to several pet adoptions.