NEWTON — The City of Newton said Aug. 20, 2026, that Parks and Recreation hosted its annual Paw-Triotic Pet Mania on Wednesday, Aug. 19, in downtown Newton. The city said tails were wagging and patriotic spirit was on full display as pets and owners gathered downtown.
The show featured friendly competition in categories ranging from smallest pet and waggiest tail to best costume and owner-and-pet look-alike. Newton Parks and Recreation thanked participants for helping make the evening memorable. CareVet of Conover Pet Veterinary Hospital is listed as the sponsor.
Best of Show went to Lilly, owned by Clancy Maier.
Smallest Pet: first, Franny, a Chorkie owned by Xeminia Edwards; second, Gyspy, a Biewer Terrier owned by Catherine Proctor; third, Juniper, owned by Angela Holsclaw. The city spelled the second-place name “Gyspy.”
Largest Pet: first, Klaus, a pit bull-Labrador mix owned by Frank Ballentine. No second or third is listed in that category.
Waggiest Tail: first, Clemmy, owned by Nathan Cooley; second, Gyspy, owned by Proctor; third, Klaus, owned by Ballentine.
Owner and Pet Look-Alike: first, Willow, owned by Angela Holsclaw; second, Clemmy, owned by Cooley; third, Louie, a Poochon owned by Tyler Helms.
Best Costume: first, Franny, owned by Edwards; second, Willow, owned by Holsclaw; third, Penny, owned by Holsclaw.
Most Paw-Triotic: first, Duke, a Beagle owned by Ada Harvell.
Parks and Recreation thanked pets and owners and pointed additional photographs to the city’s Parks and Recreation Facebook page. Upcoming programs are directed to 828-695-4317.
The Aug. 20 notice does not list a start time, an entry fee, a headcount, or a rain date.
Official release from City of Newton, Aug. 20, 2026. https://www.newtonnc.gov/rotating_stories_detail_T2_R1615.php
