BY JONAS BEALS

Yesterday's parade of costumed dogs through downtown Fredericksburg had a rich history.

In the 1950s and 1960s, Fredericksburg's annual Dog Mart was the social event of the year, drawing national attention and estimated crowds of 15,000 people to the sleepy city.

"This was the big deal, I'm telling you," Spotsylvania County resident Wendell Green said. He accompanied Ricky, his Cavalier King Charles spaniel dressed appropriately in a purple robe and crown.

"It's been 48 or 49 years since I did this," Green said.

He remembers when the event, then held at Maury Stadium, was a daylong party packed with marching bands, dog trials, hog-calling contests, food vendors, auctions, games and every imaginable breed of canine.

It was large and unique enough to warrant a photo spread in National Geographic magazine in 1951. It was televised in Washington that same year.

Buck Cox of Fredericksburg also remembers those days. He and some friends decided it was time to try to bring them back.

They organized the Fredericksburg's Gone to the Dogs dog fair, which started yesterday morning with a parade of dogs dressed in a Mardi Gras theme, led by local marching band the Elby Brass Band.

"Basically, we're bringing back our childhood," Cox said. "It was the best event of the year for us."

It may not have met the standard set in the '50s, but it attracted a large and enthusiastic crowd to Fredericksburg Music Park between the Rappahannock River and Sophia Street. Five downtown blocks were closed to vehicles between 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Dozens of food, craft and pet vendors lined the streets.

The Dog Mart traced its origin back to Colonial times--before Fredericksburg even existed. According to the Fredericksburg's Gone to the Dogs website, the Dog Mart started as a trading fair between American Indians and English settlers, with the first one held in October of 1689.

The purpose this year was to raise money for local non-profit animal welfare organizations.

"We want to focus on the shelter situation," Cox said. "We want to save some of the dogs that get euthanized."

Another goal for Cox was to get the American Indian community involved in the event as it was 50 years ago. Members of the Patawomeck tribe were on hand yesterday with a display of Indian artifacts and traditions. The Patawomecks were one of the original tribes to take part in the early dog fairs, along with the Mattaponi and Pamunkey tribes.

But even with all the amenities and entertainment, the focus was still on the dogs.

Lori Bushor of Spotsylvania brought two tiny bichon frises named Sanibelle and Annabelle, both dressed in frilly pink jackets.

"I love dressing them up," she said. "They have more outfits than I do."

At the other end of the spectrum was Apollo, a costume-less Great Dane who brought along his owners, Malcolm and Sheree Waddy.

"It gives the dogs a chance to socialize," Malcolm Waddy said. "It's a great event for the city."

Jonas Beals: 540/368-5036
Email: jbeals@freelancestar.com