Join the fun on Saturday, September 28, when the 16th annual Burlingame Pet Parade kicks off at 10 a.m. on Broadway in Burlingame. Dusty the Klepto Kitty, who attained national fame for pilfering items from his neighbors in San Mateo, will be the Grand Marshal of this year's parade. Tots from UMC Nursery School in Burlingame will lead the parade.

Pet owners who wish to march with their pets must report by 9:30 a.m. to the parking lot near Broadway and Chula Vista Avenue. Those with pets who wish to participate in the Best Pet Trick contest are asked to check in at the Information Booth at that corner before 9:30 a.m., too. There is no charge to participate.
 
School Float contest.The family-friend event is inviting all public and private schools in San Mateo County that serve students from kindergarten through 12^thgrade to compete for cash prizes in the “Best School Float” contest during the parade.
 
The winning school of the “Best School Float” competition will receive a check for $500 and the second-place winner will receive $250 from the Broadway Merchants Association. School groups must register in advance by contacting Ayn Gilmore at AVR Realty in Burlingame at ayn@avrr.com or calling or (650) 342-2073.
 
Cat burglar. This year’s Grand Marshal, Dusty the Klepto Kitty, shown at left, was widely featured in print and broadcast media for stealing at least 1,000 items from neighbors at night, including underwear, bikinis, Taco Bell wrappers, Frisbees and even shoes.

This 13-year-old Siamese feline belongs to Jean Chu and Jim Coleman of San Mateo, who adopted him from the Peninsula Humane Society and SPCA. Dusty was featured on the David Letterman Show and on “Animal Planet,” which used a night vision camera to capture him hauling his loot home. His Facebook page, "Dusty Klepto Kitty - The REAL One," includes the Animal Planet video. 
 
Contest categories. Every participant will receive a souvenir ribbon. Fancy ribbons will be awarded for the Best Pet Trick; Most Unusual Pet; Best Dressed Pet; and Most Original Float, Group or Wagon (non-school category). The Grand Prizewinner will receive a special prize. Judging takes place immediately after the parade at Broadway and Capuchino Avenue.
 
Parade rules. A “float” can be as simple as a decorated bicycle, wagon or kiddie car. Only non-motorized floats are eligible and each float must include at least one pet. No political entries are permitted, but all types of pets are welcome. Children without pets are encouraged to bring stuffed animals. Groups are encouraged to identify themselves with a banner or sign.
 
There will be free art projects, balloon animals and entertainment for children.
 
Sponsors. This year’s parade is sponsored by the Broadway Merchants Association, the City of Burlingame, the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA, Pet Food Express, In Sync Realty, the Daily Journal, Korody Business Servicesand Colorprint.
 
Participants will strut to the music of the Los Trancos Woods Community Marching Band, and they will be entertained before and after the parade by the San Mateo Elks Concert Band.
 
Broadway businesses will join in the festivities, hosting sidewalk sales and special promotions.

The parade was started in 2004 by a group of volunteers to promote community spirit. It is entirely supported by volunteers and community donations.
 
The parade will march up Broadway from Chula Vista to Capuchino Avenue, where it will turn right and circle back down Broadway. The entire parade consists of a leisurely stroll that lasts about 30 minutes and is less than three-fourths of a mile.
 
Water stations will be provided for pets.
 
For more information, including a map of the parade route and photos of previous parades, see BurlingamePetParade.com, or call (650) 342-2073.