Wearin’ of the green: Shamrock Shuffle, Top Dog Parade

CHELAN - The sun was shining on freshly fallen snow as Lake Chelan Valley residents and dogs got their green on for two events on Saturday, March 14 in downtown Chelan. Valley residents proudly wore their green as participants of the Shamrock Shuffle, the Wayne Kelly Memorial St. Patty’s Top Dog Parade or as attendees watching all the colorfully dressed dogs and along with their owners.  

The morning started off with a 32 degree temperature for the Shamrock Shuffle, a walk, run or stroll, 5k event. They had 42 registered runners/walkers with 27 walkers showing up on the chilly, but sunny morning. In the best dressed dog contest it was a tie, with Chester owned by Kelly Allen and Olie owned by Jillian Walsh the only contestants. They will split the gift basket of doggy treats provided by Whaley’s General Store in downtown Chelan. Participants received a kelly green beanie and 2026 shamrock pin. They left the Riverwalk Park Shelter, crossed the Old Bridge and took the Riverwalk Trail to the boat launch, then up the hill towards the Chelan River Gorge.  The halfway mark is at the end of the pavement at the Gorge Road, they then turned around the took the same route back to the shelter. This event is supported by the Lake Chelan  Health and Wellness Foundation and is the Lake Chelan Lions Club annual fundraiser in support of diabetes education and provides scholarships to Camp Stix for young people with Type I Diabetes.

By noon the temperature was 40 degrees for the Wayne Kelly Memorial St. Patty’s Top Dog Parade was held downtown Chelan. Leading the Wayne Kelly Memorial St. Patty’s Top Dog Parade was Pat Kelly and crew, with the banner for the parade which honors his father, Wayne Kelly. Other participants included Lake Chelan Valley Habitat for Humanity. Heritage Heights Assisted Living, Roots Community School, Manson Apple Blossom Royalty, Precious Promise Christian Preschool, Lake Chelan Valley Boys & Girls Club, Apple Acres Pet Resort, Feat of Freedom Dancers, Chelan Fire & Rescue, Lake Chelan Health EMS, along with many adults and children dressed up in green, along with dogs of all shapes and sizes joining in this annual fun parade.