Alligator attack survivor Strike named first NC 4th of July Festival Dog Marshal
SOUTHPORT, NC (WWAY) — A black Labrador retriever whose fight for survival captured hearts across southeastern North Carolina last year has been named the first-ever Dog Marshal of the North Carolina 4th of July Festival Parade.
Festival organizers announced that Strike, owned by Bonner and Kara Herring, won the inaugural Dog Marshal Contest, a fundraiser benefiting the NC 4th of July Festival.
If Strike’s name sounds familiar, it’s because he made headlines nearly a year ago after surviving an alligator attack while swimming in the river, one of his favorite summertime activities.
According to his contest entry, Strike was enjoying a swim when an alligator grabbed him “in hopes of making him his next meal.” His owner Bonner jumped in to help save the dog.
“Strike fought back with a desire to live to see another day and reunite with his family,” the entry states.
Today, Strike still enjoys swimming, though his owners say he’s more cautious before entering the water.
As the contest winner, Strike will serve as the festival’s first official Dog Marshal and ride in the annual July 4 parade in Southport.
Strike will officially be recognized during the Dog Marshal Contest Recognition and Awards Ceremony at 7 p.m. on June 24 at Taylor Field Park, 409 E. Nash St. in Southport. Festival organizers say all dogs that participated in the contest are invited to attend with their owners and will receive gift bags, treats and pup cones. Awards will be presented to the top three dogs, along with an additional special award.
The online contest invited dog owners to submit photos and stories highlighting their pets while raising money for the nonprofit festival. Dogs earned votes through donations from supporters.
Organizers said contestants collectively raised nearly $22,000 to support festival operations and programming.
Festival officials expect more than 65,000 visitors during the weeklong celebration marking the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Most festival events are free and open to the public, with the exception of a limited number of ticketed fundraising events.
The NC 4th of July Festival runs from June 26 through July 4 in Southport and Oak Island.
