Belleville has a parade for labor, a parade for veterans and a parade for Shriners, so why not a parade for animals?

Members of the Pet Lover Coalition asked themselves that question and figured, 'Why not?'

So, at 2 p.m. Saturday, rain or shine, a bunch of animals in Halloween costumes will make the short trek up West Main Street from the Belleville Parks and Recreation Department headquarters at 510 W. Main St. to Pitcher's Sports Bar and Grill at the corner of West Main and First streets.

After the walking, there will be a costume contest in a nearby parking lot.

Shelly Korves of the Humane Society of the Belleville Area said the parade may be small this year but the coalition hopes to expand it into a bigger annual event in coming years.

"I think it will be fun," she said "We hope to grow it but we put this together in a short time so I have no idea what to expect.

How many animals is she expecting?

"I said I would be happy with 50 animals but my husband thinks we will have a lot more. At our 5K run we had probably about 150 dogs. I've been at the St. Louis Mardi Gras parade when there were thousands."

You never know but signs are good.

"Belleville loves a parade," Korves said. "People love to bring their pets to events."

WIth quite a few dedicated animal lovers around here and Halloween thrown in to boot, it could be interesting. It definitely will be fun to watch.

The coalition is made up of representatives of about 15 local pet rescue organizations that have begun meeting and working together to try to reduce pet population problems and get pets adopted.

Registration begins at 1 p.m., in the parking lot at Parks and Recreation. The cost is $10 per costumed pet. People walk for free.

There will be volunteers from some of the rescue groups walking dogs that will be available for adoption as well.

People should be prepared to pick up after their animals and will receive bags at registration, Korves noted.

Have a column idea? Call Wally at 239-2506 or 800-642-3878; or email: wspiers@bnd.com