HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif.—An estimated 15,000 people and their dogs flooded Huntington Dog Beach on April 2 for the 10th Annual Corgi Beach Day.
Corgis and their owners participated in several contests, including Corgi limbo and two costume competitions.
The biggest star of the day was “Crouton the Corgi,” also known as the “Michael Jordan of Corgi Limbo.”
Now 14 years old and receiving treatment for brain cancer, Crouton still managed to win the limbo contest for the seventh year.
“She enjoys doing it,” even when she loses, said Crouton’s owner, Crystal Siri. “It doesn’t take away from the progress she’s made [from her cancer treatment].”
“Corgis for Ukraine”—Reed, Riley, Roy, and Ringo—were also a big hit.
Led by owner Rick Garcia, the pack traveled from West Hollywood to show their support for citizens and their dogs in Ukraine.
Garcia dressed all four in yellow and blue roses to match the Ukrainian flag, parading them through the “Best Anything Goes Costume Contest.”
Garcia also carried a “Corgis for Ukraine” sign showing Corgis dressed as Ukrainian soldiers and white doves.
“I was affected by the mighty invasion [of Ukraine] so we just wanted to go ahead and create awareness,” Garcia said. ”We want to support our fellow West Hollywood citizens.”
Garcia was referring to West Hollywood being the most concentrated Russian-speaking region in the U.S. outside of New York, according to the city’s website.
Hundreds in the audience roared with laughter during the Chuckit! Fetch Challenge when “Lulu the Corgi” took a bathroom break during her turn in the game arena.
“I didn’t know we were using biological warfare [as a game strategy],” host Dan McLemore joked when “Pepper,” the following competitor, became distracted by the scent. “Pepper fell for Lulu’s evil plan.”
McLemore began the event in 2012. It started out modestly with McLemore and his family, along with 20 others and their dogs.
“Our dog, Mr. Pickles, blew his knee out and was infected for a year and a half,” McLemore said. “When he finally got healthy, we decided to throw a little beach party. ... That was the first Corgi Beach Day.”
Mr. Pickles, otherwise known as the “Big Kahuna,” is doing well and was in attendance on April 2.
