Cooly Rocks On finishes up with Poodle and Pug Parade

THEY took to the runway in their colourful hairstyles, quirky outfits and perfect manicures — it wasn’t your everyday beauty pageant at Cooly Rocks On this weekend.

Toy Poodle Cartier took to the runway in a ride to rival the flash cars at Cooly Rocks On Festival this weekend. Picture: Jerad Williams

COOLY Rocks On is known for flash cars and throwback fashion, but this year it was the four-legged visitors who stole the show.

The festival’s Poodle and Pug Parade attracted thousands to watch Gold Coast dogs strut their stuff, in every category from ‘Prettiest Pooch’ to ‘Best Dressed’.

It was a record year for the festival, with more than 100,000 people turning out over the five-day event.

For one little star, the attention was just an added bonus as he made his parade debut.

Katie Osner of Waggy Tails Dog Spa Picture: Jerad Williams

Perhaps helping toy poodle Cartier’s nerves was the smooth ride in his very own car, crafted from a children’s toy by owner Luke Kestle from Motor Fab in Molendinar.

The car, handpainted and upholstered, took a week to make, with Mr Kestle and partner Katie Osner, from Waggy Tails Dog Spa, driving five hours to pick up the toy.

It took Ms Osner two hours to get Cartier ready for the competition, sporting a matching bow, diamond-studded collar, and bright red toenails.

Dozens of well-dressed pooches took to the catwalk for Cooly Rocks On’s Poodle and Pug Parade. Picture: Jerad Williams

Ms Olsen adopted the now 11-year-old dog seven years ago, after his previous owner passed away, and said he’s always been a fabulous pooch.

“He used to be entered into grooming shows, not by me, so I haven’t put him into any competitions since I’ve had him,” she said.

“We go every year but we’ve never entered, so we thought we’d put him in this year because he’s very handsome.

Poodle parade wows crowds

VIEW GALLERY

Connecting Southern Gold Coast boss Peter Doggett said the festival was growing bigger each year.

“We were allowed to deliver a festival with perfect weather, which isn’t always the case and it brought us monster crowds,” he said.

As for the parade, though he failed to take home a prize this year, Cartier’s owners agreed they will be back, bigger and bolder, next year.

GET A TABLET WHEN YOU SUBSCRIBE TO THE GOLD COAST BULLETIN