Local pet owners flocked to Jim Thorpe in celebration of both Independence Day and Old Home Week.

Dressed in their most patriotic attire, a handful of dogs and one cat followed a trail of pawprints outlining the Patriotic Pet Parade route from the Mauch Chunk Opera House toward Josiah White Park and back.

Old Home Week is part of Jim Thorpe’s bicentennial celebration and lasts from June 30 to July 7.

“We want people who grew up here to come back to town and celebrate their history — all 200 years of it,” said Diane Prokop, Bicentennial Committee co-chair and Jim Thorpe Tourism Agency board secretary.

“We’re excited to be here because we love our animals,” said Nicolette Scheitrum.

Her cat and dog duo went through the parade route in style sporting a fully decorated Fourth of July themed cart.

Winning over the hearts of the crowd, Sabrina and Simba placed first in the parade’s competition.

Following in their pawprints was second-place winner Oreo, who was wearing a Wonder Woman costume. Oreo was entered in the parade by Pablo and Sally Rivera and their daughter Bella.

“We’re glad that pets have the opportunity to represent the Fourth,” Pablo said. “Pets are a part of the family.”

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Placing third in the parade contest was Stella, who was entered by Barb and Steve Hujsa of Coopersburg. Dressed as Betsy Ross, Stella was joined by the Hujsas’ other two dogs Alvin and Simon.

This year’s parade was sponsored by the Mauch Chunk Historical Society, Pet Value and No Bones About It.

Jennifer Rimsky of No Bones About It donated prizes to the lucky first-, second- and third-place winners.

Her pet bakery offers homemade treats and other goods to the Lehighton area as well as its surrounding communities.

The parade also gave participants the opportunity to enter for a chance to win two different basket raffles filled with pet supplies.