Latest news with #ParachutesforPets
Calgary Herald
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Calgary Herald
In midst of construction and class action lawsuit, Marda Loop businesses prepare for summer street festival
The annual Marda Gras street festival will take over four blocks of 33rd Avenue S.W. this Sunday, offering some hopeful respite for beleaguered businesses that have contended with construction-related woes in recent years. Article content This year marks the 40th annual Marda Gras, and is expected to attract more than 35,000 visitors from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to the retail-oriented strip for a day of live performances, shopping, interactive activities and food trucks. Article content Article content Article content Article content 'It's just something that has always been supported and loved,' said festival manager Shannon McNally. 'A lot of the business owners also live in the area, so it feels like a very holistic neighbourhood where the businesses are very invested in the neighbourhood as well, and vice-versa for residents.' Article content While it was originally called Summerfest, the event was rebranded in 1987, drawing inspiration from New Orleans' famous Mardi Gras celebration. Article content The festival will take place along 33rd Avenue, from 18th to 22nd Street S.W. It will feature more than 200 local vendors, four performance stages, a kids' quarter with family-friendly games and activities, a pet pageant that features costumes, photo ops and fundraising for Parachutes for Pets, and an interactive zone that showcases community groups, artists, and local businesses. Article content Article content 'One thing that's really stayed the same is the heart of the people who love and call Marda Loop home,' McNally said. 'I think it's really important to celebrate this anniversary and reflect on the changes and transformation, but also to remember what makes Marda Loop such a wonderful place to live and work. And that's the people.' Article content A free shuttle will be available to take attendees to Marda Loop from the Military Museums and other nearby parking areas. There will also be a bike valet at 18th Street offering to park bicycles and scooters for those who arrive on two wheels instead of four. Article content While it's a celebration of Marda Loop, this year's festival will occur under the backdrop of construction struggles and an impending legal battle, as storefronts grapple with the effects of a city-led initiative to bury utilities under 33rd Avenue.
Global News
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Global News
‘Dogpool' takes over Calgary Expo, brings attention to local pet charities
Peggy the Dog is proving her celebrity clout at this year's Calgary Expo. The pint-sized pup is the breakout star of 2024's Deadpool & Wolverine, starring as 'Dogpool' alongside Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman. 'It's been surreal,' laughs Holly Middleton, Peggy's human owner. 'Never in our wildest dreams could you imagine where this was going to go.' View image in full screen Ryan Reynolds, Peggy aka Dogpool the 'UK's Ugliest Dog Winner' and Hugh Jackman attend the photocall for 'Deadpool & Wolverine' at the IET Building, Savoy Place on July 12, 2024 in London, rise to fame started after her human parents answered an ad in their local village paper: it was a contest for Britain's ugliest dog. They entered in 2023 and Peggy won. It caught the eye of filmmakers. Story continues below advertisement 'A few months later, I think, Ryan Reynolds or one of his team were looking for an ugly dog in the U.K. — because that's where it was filmed — and Peggy's the one that comes up on Google,' explains Luke Middleton, who is married to Holly. 'They looked at her, fell in love with her and the rest is history.' Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "They looked at her, fell in love with her and the rest is history." 2:44 Movie Trailer: Deadpool & Wolverine The success of the film thrust Peggy onto the world stage — she's captured major attention because of her unique look. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy As far as the Middleton's know, she is a Chinese crested-pug mix — also known as a Pugese — the last remaining pup and runt of a large litter. 'She was six months old and nobody had taken her on,' says Holly. 'I don't know if they saw a look at Peggy and think she might need a lot of maintenance or she might run high, [due to] bills and that sort, but she's perfectly healthy and I just loved her the instant I saw her.' Story continues below advertisement View image in full screen Peggy the Dog from 'Deadpool & Wolverine' with her owners Holly and Luke Middleton in Calgary, Alta. on Thursday, April 24, 2025. Global News The couple wanted to use their newfound platform to give back. Their trips to various fan conventions around the world and massive social media following made them realize they could highlight pet charities and help raise funds for small organizations. In Calgary, they partnered with Parachutes for Pets. The organization has a mission to keep pets with their families during times of financial hardship. It features a secondhand store where people donate gently used pet items for resale. 'We're so honoured that Peggy and her family chose us to raise awareness of Parachutes for Pets. Being a smaller grassroots charity, we don't get a lot of opportunities like this often so we're just really grateful,' says founder Melissa David. Story continues below advertisement Along with a private tour of the facility, Peggy's team is donating some of the proceeds from some of her Expo earnings back to the charity — a move that excited and touched David, as a personal fan of Peggy's. 'It's awesome honestly. She's donating $5 for each photo back to us, and today was a really great opportunity for them to spend some time with us and see what we do and see some of the clients who benefit from our work,' beamed David. View full screen View full screen View full screen View full screen View full screen Previous Image Next Image Close Modal Gallery The Middleton's were thrilled to see the charity first-hand. Story continues below advertisement 'It's amazing what they do for people,' Luke said with a grin. Who knew a tiny dog could bring so much joy? Peggy will be putting smiles on everyone's faces this week, leading the Parade of Wonders as Paw-rader in Chief on Friday, April 25. Then she'll be meeting and greeting fans all weekend long at Calgary's BMO Centre.
