BASSETT HOUND BASH
By Molly Blaisdell
On April Fools’ Day, in a town called Woodinville, Washington, the howling,
rooing, and wolfing begins at day break. Hounds hurry past. Sidewalks
crowd with folks. Jazzy music fills the streets. Kids on bikes pass out candy.
The All Fools’ Day parade begins.
First come tumblers, unicycles, and marching bands, and then comes the
Basset Brigade. Bassets waddle. Bassets swing. Up and down the main
street, Bassets sing.
“Woof, woof. Ahhhhooohhh! Ah, roooo!”
Bassets march down the street (and their people, too). Hounds wag fat
tails. Hula hounds, Basset butterflies, jester dogs and more join the parade.
And one question is on everyone’s mind. Who will be King and Queen of All
Fools’ Day?
Let’s head over to the Basset Bash and find out which hounds win. Roll out
the blankets and open the picnic baskets.
Our first contest is for best waddle. Come on dogs. Show your stuff.
Waddle hounds!
Now, time for talent – the best trick contest. Bassets that take naps,
Bassets that don’t stay, Bassets that don’t heel, Bassets that can’t fetch,
and Bassets that can’t catch. Here’s one that can jump, no, step through a
hoop. Wait, here’s a fancy trick -- a magic Basset. What can he do? He
makes food disappear!
Bags of dog food, doggie sweaters and rosette ribbons are handed out to
the dog with the best howl, the longest ears, the most freckles, and the most
foolish human.
Now, watch racing. Hounds line up. Ready, set, go – go dogs, go!
Finally, time to choose the King and Queen. The judges line up the girls.
They line up the boys. Everyone holds their breath. Who will be crowned
King and Queen of All Fools’ Day? Who will lead next year’s Basset
Brigade?
The judges announce the queen. “Lulu!”
The crowd cheers. Bassets bark.
“Her majesty, our Queen.” The judges bow.
Lulu waddles out.
The judges announce the king.“Fred!”
The crowd goes wild. Bassets howl.
“His majesty, our King.” The judges clap. Fred lumbers out.
The King and Queen munch on cheese dog-bone pizza.
Hand out the chocolate dog bones. Waddle away. See you next year on
April Fools’ Day. We’ll march again in the Basset Brigade, and then head
over to the Basset Hound Bash to see who will be crowned King and Queen.
Copyright 2003 Molly Blaisdell