A reluctant Spanish Water Dog named Anita Pooper Scooper took the grand prize Saturday in a “Dogs in Drag” contest at the 35th annual Denver PrideFest at Civic Center park.
Wearing a hot-pink and neon- green-feathered headdress with hot- pink sequins, the black-furred pooch bedazzled festivalgoers.
They voted him top dog and awarded him $70, which was donated by his caretaker to The Center, a support group for Colorado’s gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.
“I feel incredible,” said Anthony Aragon. “He raised money for The Center, and I’m a proud papa.”
PrideFest, which organizers said drew about 250,000 last year over the two-day event, continues today at 9:30 a.m. when the Gay Pride Parade kicks off at Cheesman Park, travels to Colfax Avenue and ends at Civic Center.
Festival admission is free.
Food and drink cost $8 for five tickets.
Pets are welcome as long as they are leashed.
En Vogue, a rhythm and blues female quartet from Oakland, Calif., is scheduled to perform at 3 p.m. on the main stage.
PrideFest ends at 6 p.m.
