May 18, 2008 — There were miniature dogs, huge dogs, cross-dressing dogs, Kentucky Fried Chicken dogs, scarecrow dogs, tutu-wearing dogs, and just for good measure, fire eaters. Just another Wagapalooza to benefit the St. John Animal Care Center.
One of three annual fundraisers held by the ACC, Wagapalooza draws dogs and their owners primarily from St. John and St. Thomas to compete in a series of contests such as best costume, best trick, best tail wagger and one incredibly specialized contest designed to honor a predetermined entrant. Saturday's benefit, at the Winston Wells Ball Field in Cruz Bay, marked the eighth year for Wagapalooza, whose popularity is growing, according to organizer Jennifer Dale, an ACC board member.
"It was a great success," said Dale. "It was definitely the best Waga we've had. We get better every year!"
As of Sunday, Dale was not sure how much money the benefit raised, but the 2007 Waga brought in close to $35,000, according to the event's website. As for crowd size, guesstimates put it in the range of 150 to 200 people. Some 50 canines competed at a cost of $10-$20 per registrant.
Radio personality Roger W. Morgan from St. Croix was master of ceremonies for the dog show, whose sponsors included, well, way too many to name.
"We had 60 raffle prizes, four dozen individual sponsors of T-shirts, and people who volunteer their time and equipment," Dale said. "The list of volunteers and sponsors just goes on and on. I struggle as to how I can thank these people, because there are so many. It's a real grassroots effort."
The contests kicked off with "Best Looking Brother and Sister Miniature English Bulldog in Formal Attire."
"Amazingly, we have only one couple!" quipped Morgan, as jowly, pug-nosed Lulu in a pink tutu and blonde wig plodded around the ring alongside her brother Satchel, who was bedecked in a top hat and tux. Owners Fran Attard and Roger Harland paid $500 for the special category to help raise more money for the center.
"I wanted to encourage other people to create specialty categories," said Harland, whose idea already has Dale planning her promotional campaign for next year.
When it was time for the best costume, Morgan called attention to one particularly interesting contestant.
"Murphy is a cross-dressing beauty contestant who is showing off both evening and swim wear," he announced, as a wiry little brown dog with red velvet panties and top, trimmed with white lace, tootled his way around the ring. Several minutes later, he reappeared in a see-through pink bikini. The vice squad was nowhere in evidence.
Murphy, however, was trounced by Roxy, a larger and more wiry version of the cross-dressing Murphy, whose enthusiasm for being in the spotlight, combined with a harlequin-type scarecrow costume, left the applause-measuring Wag-O-Meter topping out at 10. A chicken-costumed Chihuahua named Madison, whose bulging eyes popped from atop the over-sized Kentucky Fried Chicken box, almost edged out Murphy, driving the Wag-O-Meter to nine.
The evening concluded with a fire-eating/fire-throwing contest courtesy of Pyros of the Caribbean as well as music provided by Michael Beason, Gregg Jones and Rich Greengold of St. John. Kids enjoyed face painting, and the culinary fare was notably elevated beyond that of a typical outdoor festival, featuring grilled mahi mahi and beef, with an assortment of homemade sauces.
In addition to the canine contests, Wagapalooza honored two individuals for their animal rescue efforts: Joy Carpenter whose dog Jack, a Dalmatian, won the Waga King title, and Anne Marie Porter.
Here's a recap of the canine contests:
Waga King
Joy Carpeter & Jack
Waga Queen
Sandi Stein & Bojo
Best Looking Brother and Sister Miniature English Bulldogs in Formal Attire
Winner: Marina and Mariah Harland with Lulu and Satchel
Best Tail Wagger
Winner: Sandi Stein & Bojo
2nd: Joy Carpenter & Jack
Best Costume
Winner: Sharin Moran & Roxy
2nd: Kacey Gaumer & Madison
Best Puppy Love
Winner: Catherine Stull/Derek Duplisea & Jack
2nd: Nina Hahler & Lucy
Best Old Timer
Winner: Sandi Stein & Bojo
2nd: Jason/Jana Allen & Tyson
Best Jumper
Winner: Jodie Tanino & Lucille
2nd: Daniel/Deana Somerville & Sweetie Pie
Best Spots
Winner: Joy Carpenter & Jack
2nd: Sean Dillon & Powder
Best Dancer
Winner: Daniel/Deanna Somerville & Sweetie Pie
2nd: Nina Hahler & Lucy
Best Lap Dog
Winner: Austin/Gregory & Rocket
2nd: Bobi Lise & Hoss
Best Trick
Winner: Hanna O'Brien & Shiner
2nd: Sandi Stein & Bojo
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