George Pisano of Rancho Palos Verdes wore a gown and long, silver beard as Dumbledore and had good reason for making the trek to downtown.

“My daughter lives here in San Diego,” he said Sunday.

With the San Diego Padres supplying a marching band and mariachis singing Feliz Navidad, the 12th annual Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade drew 275 entries — mostly America’s Finest Canines but also assorted cats (one as baby Jesus in a Nativity scene).

At least one miniature potbellied pig (a 4-month-old cutie named Daisy) made the tour of Fifth Avenue and adjacent streets.

Two years ago, Pisano’s dog Lucy won Best of Show (for a Dr. Seuss get-up). This year, the Boston terrier (wearing Harry Potter spectacles) fell short (after taking second in 2018).

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Radio-controlled cars carried several canines in 12th annual Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade. Photo by Chris Stone
Only a red-nosed reindeer doll was good enough for one parade entrant. Photo by Chris Stone
Elaborate tricked-out strollers were common again at the pet parade. Photo by Chris Stone
Daisy the miniature potbellied pig was petted by many. Photo by Chris Stone
Kids dressed as dogs were a sight at the 12th annual Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade. Photo by Chris Stone
Licking was allowed on Fifth Avenue, and pets were well-behaved at the 12th annual parade. Photo by Chris Stone
Jaime Armbruster of Tierrasanta (with her chihuahua mix Desmond Quintin) was among thousands watching from curbside. Photo by Chris Stone
Keeping head gear straight could be a challenge, but many dogs were up to the task. Photo by Chris Stone
A “Ghostbusters”-themed float won a prize at the awards ceremony. Photo by Chris Stone
A bulldog endured green makeup but kept the holiday spirit. Photo by Chris Stone
A rooster made an appearance at the awards ceremony. Photo by Chris Stone
A Cheshire Cat kid hugged her Mad Hatter rabbit on the awards stage. Photo by Chris Stone
A Santa cat with different colored eyes had a less-than-thrilled look in the handler’s basket. Photo by Chris Stone
Six-member unit won a prize for their Nativity scene, including a kittennas baby Jesus. Photo by Chris Stone
Santa doll rides bareback as parade participant keeps cool with tongue outstretched. Photo by Chris Stone
What appears to be a Neapolitan Mastiff takes careful steps in the Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade. Photo by Chris Stone
Dogs generally don’t wear shoes, but anything goes in the Gaslamp. Photo by Chris Stone
The Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade featured Christmas colors and canine cosplay. Photo by Chris Stone
Harry Potter inspired one unit, with magic wands and Hogwarts School uniforms. Photo by Chris Stone
Lucy the Boston terrier wore Harry Potter-style glasses and was ready for a game of Quidditch with flying broomstick. Photo by Chris Stone
A Great Dane didn’t appear to be having the greatest day. but had sparkles aplenty. Photo by Chris Stone
This unit went on to win Best Costume Duo prize. The dog’s name is Queen Tia. Photo by Chris Stone
A miniature bulldog rocked antlers and sweater in the 12th annual Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade. Photo by Chris Stone
A colorful sombrero framed the “Feliz Navidog” entry, which deserved its own wordplay award. Photo by Chris Stone
Mariachis representing a Fifth Avenue boutique entertained thousands along the parade route. Photo by Chris Stone
Rubbing noses was canine etiquette for some in the pet parade. Photo by Chris Stone
Only the fanciest tux was suitable for one small breed entry. Photo by Chris Stone
Two dogs rode shotgun in a K-9 radio-controlled Jeep. Photo by Chris Stone
Carrying presents on back and in mouth, this retriever even leaped onto the awards stage with gifts in tow. Photo by Chris Stone
A pink Mercedes ferried snowman and snow-almost-white canine companion. Photo by Chris Stone
Sometimes you just can’t finish in time for your grand entrance. Or maybe the curlers got stuck. Photo by Chris Stone
A San Diego Padres dog mascot made an effort to meet kids along the curb. Photo by Chris Stone
A trolley brought up the rear of parade, with well-appointed denizens. Photo by Chris Stone

But no matter. Lucy can share the wealth. She’s an old hand at pet parades, having taken part in the Haute Dog Howl’oween Parade in Long Beach at least five times.

Thousands flooded downtown for the oh-so-cute spectacle, many bringing their own dogs. Restaurants and bars welcomed them at streetside tables.

Best of Show winners were dogs Zachary and Belle with handlers the Hoeberecht family, who will ride grand marshals in the 2020 parade.

After a 20-minute march in which San Diego police opened and closed various arteries, the entourage ended up near a stage at the commercial Pet Expo at MLK Promenade Park. Raffle prizes such as restaurant passes, pet hotel stays and dinner cruises were handed out.

Reporter/anchor Lindsey Peña of ABC 10News awarded ribbons to the top 3 entries in eight categories, including Best Ugly Holiday Sweater, Cutest Critter and Best Costumed Group — a six-member unit as Jesus, Mary and the Magi. Best of Show followed (stay tuned for results).

Judges weren’t named.

But they had to be impressed with the name affixed to the Sir Ruffles Von Vicious entry, aka Feliz Navidog.

Results of pet parade, with title sponsor Just Food For Dogs:

Best Ugly Sweater

3rd Place: Tabitha the Mastiff with handler Elizabeth Flores

2nd Place: Lily the Dog with handler Emily Pearson

1st Place: Ollie the West Highland Terrier with handler Victoria Brunzell

Cutest Critter

2nd Place: Daisy the Pig with handler Gabriel Doyle

1st Place: Chicka the chicken, Gingerale the chicken and Waffles the Rabbit with handlers Mikey Johnson, Hunter Johnson and Grace Green (Alice in Wonderland)

Best Pet Costume

3rd Place: Sammie and Sweet Pea the dogs with handler Jackie Silva (Batman themed)

2nd Place: Harlee and TooTuff the dogs with handlers Laura and Phil Keznetzoff

1st place: Leuke with handler Viki Solano

Best Pet Costume (noncanine)

3rd Place: Hiro the cat and Haruka the Dog with handler Lori Guild

2nd Place: (2 dogs and a cat) with handler Corey Dobbs (flamingo Snow Globe)

1st Place: Jazzy the dog and Maya the Cat with handlers Greyfield Nguyen and Angela Aguilar

Best Pet Holiday Costume

2nd Place: Charlie the Dog with handler Jeffrey Nieboer

1st Place: Sir Ruffles Von Vicious (Ruffy) with handler Jan Savage (Feliz Navidog)

Best Costumed Duo

3rd Place: Peaches the Maltipoo (Dog) with handler Eric Jones

2nd Place: Sakari the dog with handler Jay Nora

1st Place: Tia the dog with handler Jaimie Flores (Queen Tia)

Best Costumed Group (3 or more)

3rd Place: Mizzou the Siberian Husky with handler Robert Ivey jr. and partner (Stanley Cup)

2nd Place: Barney, Oscar, Woodie and Stitch (all dogs) with handlers, Janet Bock and Lynne Newman

1st Place: Kylo-Ren the dog with handlers, the Andrews Family (Where’s WALDO)

Best Float

3rd Place: Kayden, Koah the dogs with handler Tina Cox (Paw-rate Ship)

2nd Place: Carson the Dog with handler Jill Nakano (Space Shuttle)

1st Place: Lucy the Boston Terrier with handler George Pisano (Harry Potter)

Best in Show

3rd Place: Kindle the Dog with handlers The Toyers (Bartender)

2nd Place: Leuke with handler Viki Solano (Ghostbusters)

1st Place: Zachary and Belle the dogs with handlers the Hoeberecht Family

Updated at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 16, 2019