As Halloween approaches, the Charlottesville area is abuzz with festive dog-costume competitions, and Keswick Vineyards is leading the pack. Having hosted their annual dog costume parade for several years, the vineyard is proud to be recognized as a pioneer of this fun event in the region.
Cindy Schornberg, the vineyard’s founder, emphasized the welcoming atmosphere that Keswick strives to create. “We welcome everybody into our family. So we try to create that atmosphere,” she said, encouraging attendees to bring their own food for picnics and, of course, their pets.
At Keswick Vineyards, fostering a pet-friendly environment has been a top priority from the start. Schornberg noted that their dog costume parade was the first of its kind in the area, inspiring similar events at other vineyards and nonprofits.
The day’s festivities typically feature a lively parade where pets and their owners compete for the coveted title of best dressed. “We’ll do a parade, and then we have judges that will pick their top three, and then we’ll announce, in order, who gets first place,” Schornberg explained.
The allure of prizes generously donated by local merchants adds an extra layer of excitement. “We have wonderful local merchants that have donated gifts for the winners, including like a portrait session with your pet,” she mentioned.
As a judge for the competition, Schornberg faces the challenging task of selecting a winner among a sea of adorable costumes. “I personally like the homemade costumes, so those usually will score a little better with me as a judge,” she shared. “But, you know, it’s hard because they all are so cute and adorable.”
With its charming atmosphere and engaging activities, Keswick Vineyards continues to be a beloved destination for pet owners in the community, solidifying its role as a leader in celebrating the bond between dogs and their humans, especially during the festive Halloween season.
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