If you didn’t come out to the annual Carrollton Pilgrimage and Pioneer Day, you really missed out!
Our house was open for tours, and usually, I don’t get the opportunity to go to the historic Carrollton Square to check out the vendors or listen to the great music or eat funnel cakes or dunk members of the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department.
This year, I did get to accompany my four-year-old son, Dean, drag our 14-year-old Chihuahua around the square as part of the Pioneer Day Pet Parade.
Dean was so excited as we dressed Don Juan in his little poncho and sombrero. I know some people think putting clothing on animals is cruel, but for Don Juan, he loves the attention and likes to strut around in his finery.
The problem is that Don Juan is getting old. He’s a little bit blind. He’s a little bit slower, and he’s a whole lot of ornery.
When we arrived at sign in, Don Juan immediately tried to be the big dog with a really big dog -- a Saint Bernard that could have rung his neck with one swing. Then he became absolutely ferocious when a Labradoodle wanted to play with him. He was all bowed up, with his teeth showing. I don’t think I have heard Don Juan bark in five years.
After Don Juan finally settled down, we walked the square, weaving through crowds of people. The square was absolutely packed!
After we finally made it back to our car, Don Juan was pooped and quickly went to sleep on the car seat for the one minute drive to our house.
And he did win a prize. He didn’t get “Toughest” or “Meanest” or “Best Dressed.” Don Juan was named “Tiniest” in the pet parade.
Funny, he may weigh less than 10 pounds, but in his mind, Don Juan is the biggest dog on the block. And since losing so many of his teeth due to age, he is definitely all bark and no bite.
On another note, I urge residents of Winona to get involved with the My Winona clean up initiative organized by a group of concerned citizens who want to see their hometown cleaned up and welcoming to those visiting.
Next week, residents are asked to start cleaning at home by tidying up their lawns and landscaping, removing trash, and making necessary repairs to improve curb appeal.
On Saturday, October 21, the entire city is asked to participate in the Big Clean Sweep, a citywide clean up campaign where each ward will compete against each other for a year worth of bragging rights and a large trophy to be displayed at Winona City Hall until next year.
Lend a hand and help pick up some trash. Pick up limbs and trim yards and clip around curbs. You will be amazed with what a little effort can do to make this city shine.
