From Great Danes to Chihuahuas, there were dogs in sweaters, dogs in kerchiefs, dogs in T-shirts, dogs dressed as bees, as cows, and at least one dog painted as a tiger.

A girl in a pirate costume walked with a chicken on her shoulder. A tiny Darth Vader seemed to be on the lookout for Jedis.

It was the annual Desfile de los Niños, better known as the Pet Parade, which took place Saturday morning in downtown Santa Fe. According to parade officials, 1,112 children, 658 adults and an unknown but definitely large number of dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, reptiles and chickens took part in the spectacle.

For many residents, this parade is the highlight of Santa Fe's annual Fiesta. Unlike today's Desfile de la Gente, or Historical/Hysterical Parade, no commercial, political or religious entries are allowed in the Pet Parade. Just kids, animals and costumes.

Many dressed in colorful costumes — beautiful princesses, hideous ghouls and everything in between. Accompanied by several marching bands, they walked from Cathedral Park down Palace Avenue, where five judges in turquoise T-shirts took notes from a stage on the Plaza, then looped around Grant Avenue to Marcy Street, turned on Paseo de Peralta and finished up at the former La Residencia parking lot.

For several minutes after the parade, the judges on the Plaza debated who should win the prizes. A mariachi band played as the deliberations ensued. Winners in the various categories received a check for $100, a Nambé plaque and a $10 gift certificate from Tia Sophia's restaurant.

As always, even before the winners were announced, the crowds from the parade route descended upon the Plaza, lining up at the various food booths.

Later in the afternoon, Melissa Sandoval, who was working in a booth selling turkey legs and lemonade on San Francisco Street, told a reporter that even though the recession has been bad for business this year, she loves working the Santa Fe Fiesta.

"I've been doing this since I was 8 years old and now I'm 21," she said. Her family operates the turkey-leg booth plus the nearby El Sabor de Nuevo Mexico booth and a couple of toy stands on the interior of the Plaza. "People here are really nice and the entertainment is good."

Sandoval said her family also sells at Española's Oñate Fiesta and various powwows around the state. "Business has been down everywhere because of the economy," she said. "But it's still worth it to come here for Fiesta."

Contact Steve Terrell at 986-3037 or sterrell@sfnewmexican.com. Read his political blog at roundhouseroundup.com.

PET PARADE WINNERS

Best Musical Entry: Santa Fe High School Band
Best Original: "Princess From India and Bengal Tiger," Lila Baca and "Jess"
Best Hysterical: "Dorothy and Hot Air Balloon," Sylvia Marie Davis
Best Historical: "The Kid and Friends," The Noedel family
Best Fiesta Theme: "Li'l Señoritas," Crystal Martinez, Melanie Vigil, Michael Chavez and "Lily."
Best Family Entry: "Aliens," Vianey DeAguero family

Winners receive a check for $100, a Nambé plaque and a $10 gift certificate to Tia Sophias.