Story and photography by Darby Arnold
Thousands of Knoxville’s pet and animal lovers gathered for the 17th annual Mardi Growl Pet Parade and festival hosted by Young-Williams Animal Center. The parade began in the Old City and concluded at World’s Fair Park, where there were tents with pet-friendly items, live music, food trucks and more! Pets were dressed in their best for the costume contest, to include Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, Barbie and Elton John. YoungWilliams Animal Center’s mission is to lead the community to end pet homelessness, promote animal welfare and enhance the human-animal bond.