PHOTO PROVIDED Verla Bryant is shown with Wylie, her 7-year-old female German shepherd that passed away in July 2023.

This June, Verla Bryant of Wellsboro is marking her 51st year of involvement with the Laurel Festival Pet Parade, 50 years as chair and one year as co-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 news release.

“I graduated from Wellsboro High School in June and co-chaired the Pet Parade that same month,” she noted. “In May, I had been chosen Tioga County Dairy Princess and in June rode in the Laurel Festival Parade as a noncompeting queen. … In high school, I was also an active member of Future Farmers of America (FFA) and 4H. I showed my family’s dairy cows at the Tioga County Fairgrounds in Whitneyville and at the District 4H Show, both held in August 1974.

“In September 1974, I competed with our cows in the 4H and FFA shows at the Pennsylvania All-American Dairy Show at the Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg. At the same time, I 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 from the camaraderie of the competition to learning a lot more about the agriculture business,” said Bryant, according to the news release.

“Those months were sheer craziness for my family and me,” she said.

In 1975, Verla and Rymell reversed roles. She chaired the Pet Parade and he was her co-chair. She has been chairing it ever since. With her decision to continue with Pet Parade in 2024, Verla is celebrating her 50th year as chair.

“I love the pet parade because I love the kids, the animals and agriculture. Those three things are my passions,” said Verla.

“That’s why I also helped with 4H 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,” she said.

“During the past 51 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,” said Verla.

“My daughter-in-law, Kathy VanDergrift has also 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 through the years.”

Parade set for June 9

Have a cat, dog, chicken, goat, guinea pig or other pet?

Children, ages 12 and under, are invited to preregister their best dressed, cutest, smartest, prettiest or most lovable pets in Tioga County or decorated bicycles, battery-operated three or four wheelers or wagons by 4 p.m. next Friday, May 31 for the 2024 Pet Parade being held on Sunday, June 9 at 1:30 p.m. at Packer Park on Queen Street.

According to a news release, groups are welcome to participate, too. It’s free. There is no entry fee.

Judging in several categories will begin at 12:30 p.m. at Packer Park prior to the parade. Participants are asked to be there no later than 12:25 p.m. on June 9 to register or check in.

“All dogs, 3 months of age and older, must be vaccinated and licensed,” the news release said. “Bring water for pets and keep them in the shade.”

According to a news release, the parade will form at Packer Park on Queen Street and beginning at 1:30 p.m. will travel up Main Street to The Green in Wellsboro, where all children will receive ribbons. Special awards will also be presented.

Registration is available at the Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce website at www.wellsboropa.com, click on “Forms” and on the drop-down menu click on “2024 Pet Parade Application,” or pick up an application at the chamber office at 114 Main St., Wellsboro. Complete the application and mail it to the Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce Attn: Pet Parade, 114 Main St., Wellsboro, PA 16901. Or, bring the completed application form to the chamber office.

For more information, call 570-724-1926 or email info@wellsboropa.com