Meet some of the 2022 Bagel Bow Wow dog contestants
The 2022 Bagelfest's annual Bagel Bow Wow contest was held Wednesday evening at Peterson Park in Mattoon, with Bernie deBuhr in his 30th year as organizer of this event.
Bernie deBuhr
Bagel Bow Wow organizer Bernie deBuhr, in his 30th year heading this dog contest, visits with longtime entrant Leona Liggett, carrying 12-year old Dachshund Wyatt, after this Bagelfest event Wednesday evening at Peterson Park in Mattoon. Liggett is accompanied by her sister, Debbie. Wyatt won the "Best Bagel Dog" prize at the contest.
Matching princesses
Pictured, from the left, are Ann Faller, Heather Fitt and her daughter, Junior Miss Bagelfest Laney Fitt, carrying Pepper during the Bagel Bow Wow dog contest Wednesday evening at Peterson Park in Mattoon. Hitt, co-director of the Bagelfest pageants, made the matching outfits for her daughter and Pepper, including the sash for the 3-month old Chihuahua and rat terrier mix. Pepper won the "Best Look-a-Like" prize at the contest.
Bagelfest gnome
Killer, a 13-year-old Yorkshire terrier, wears the "Bagelfest gnome" outfit that his owner, Gail Rodgers of Charleston, made for him to wear in the Bagel Bow Wow dog contest Wednesday evening at Peterson Park in Mattoon.
Along for the ride
Buddy, a 11-year-old Chihuahua, rides in a sling while his owner, Melissa Harden of Mattoon, gives out dog treats donated by Mars Petcare during the Bagel Bow Wow contest Wednesday evening at Peterson Park in Mattoon. Harden also served as the emcee for this event.
Little Miss and friend
Little Miss Bagelfest Lucy Bagwell walks her 11-year-old Golden Retriever, Chloe, while competing in the Bagel Bow Wow contest Wednesday evening at Peterson Park in Mattoon. Chloe won the "Best Goode Ole Dog" prize at the contest.
Matching scarves
Siblings Gordon, 8, and Caroline, 5, Bracamontes walk their 1-year-old Sheltie, Max, while wearing matching scarves and competing in the Bagel Bow Wow contest Wednesday evening at Peterson Park in Mattoon.
Search dog
Carolyn Muessman of Charleston demonstrates the skills of her 6-year-old Dutch Shepherd search dog, Ellis, during the Bagel Bow Wow dog contest Wednesday evening at Peterson Park in Mattoon. Ellis won the "Best Trick" prize at the contest.
S'more costume
Angela Bumgarner walks her 10-year-old pug, Meeko, while he wears a s'more costume to compete in the Bagel Bow Wow dog contest during Bagelfest on Wednesday at Peterson Park in Mattoon. The costume went along with the "Camp Bagelfest" them of this year's festival.
Rob Stroud
Reporter
Rob Stroud is a reporter for the JG-TC, covering the city of Mattoon, Lake Land College, Cumberland County and areas including Oakland, Casey and Martinsville.
Bernie DeBuhr has served as the organizer of the Bagel Bow Wow dog contest since the early 1990s.
Bagelfest will continue to bring food vendors, live music and other activities to Peterson Park and its neighborhood through Saturday, July 22.
On the “bagelest” day of the year, visitors came from near and far to celebrate Mattoon’s annual Bagelfest with the world’s largest bagel breakfast and parade.