PHOTO PROVIDED In a photo by John Eaton, Verla Bryant is shown with Wylie, her 7-year-old female German shepherd. “She’s my buddy,” Bryant said.

This year, Verla Bryant, of Wellsboro, is marking her 50th year of involvement with the Laurel Festival Pet Parade, one year as co-chair and 49 years as chair.

“In 1974, I was a senior in high school, and Jack Rymell was looking for someone to take his place as Pet Parade chairman. He asked if I would be willing to co-chair the event that year,” Bryant said, according to a press release.

“I graduated from Wellsboro High School in June and co-chaired the Pet Parade that same month,” she said, according to the release.

“In May 1974, I had been chosen Tioga County Dairy Princess and, in June, rode in the Laurel Festival Parade. In high school, I was also an active member of Future Farmers of America (FFA) and 4-H. I showed my family’s cows at the Tioga County Fairgrounds in Whitneyville and at the District 4-H Show, both held in August 1974,” she said, according the release.

“In September 1974, I showed our cows at the 4-H and FFA All-Dairy Show at the Farm Show Building in Harrisburg, and at the same time competed in Harrisburg for the title of State Dairy Princess. Even though I did not win the 1974 Pennsylvania Dairy Princess title, I really enjoyed the experience and the camaraderie of the competition,” Bryant said, according to the release.

“It was several months of sheer craziness in 1974 for my family and me,” she said.

In 1975, Bryant and Rymell reversed roles, according to the release. She chaired the Pet Parade, and he was her co-chair.

She has been chairing it ever since — for 49 years this year. If she decides to continue on as chair, 2024 will be her 50th year in that role.

“I love the Pet Parade because I love the kids, the animals and agriculture. Those three things are my passions,” she said, according the release.

“That’s why I also helped with 4-H and FFA when my three sons were growing up. They were active in both. I still help with the FFA Alumni, and judging 4-H projects,” Bryant said, according to the release.

“During the past 50 years, I have had a lot of support in doing the Pet Parade. Just to name a few, Cynthia Hawk Delycure and Julia Heath each co-chaired the Pet Parade for years,” she said, according to the release.

“My daughter-in-law, Kathy VanDergrift, has helped me organize and judge the Pet Parade for many years. I couldn’t do it, or have done it without all those who have helped me over these years.”