This June, Verla Bryant of Wellsboro is marking her 51st year of involvement with the Laurel Festival Pet Parade, 50 years as chair and one year as co-chair.  

“In 1974, I was a senior in high school and Jack Rymell was looking for someone to take his place as Pet Parade chairman. He asked if I would be willing to co-chair the event that year,” Verla said.
 
“I graduated from Wellsboro High School in June and co-chaired the Pet Parade that same month,” she noted.
 
“In May, I had been chosen Tioga County Dairy Princess and in June rode in the Laurel Festival Parade as a noncompeting queen.
 
“In high school, I was also an active member of Future Farmers of America (FFA) and 4H. I showed my family’s dairy cows at the Tioga County Fairgrounds in Whitneyville and at the District 4H Show, both held in August 1974.
 
“In September 1974, I competed with our cows in the 4H and FFA shows at the Pennsylvania All-American Dairy Show at the Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg. At the same time, I competed in Harrisburg for the title of State Dairy Princess.
 
“Even though I did not win the 1974 Pennsylvania Dairy Princess title, I really enjoyed the experience from the camaraderie of the competition to learning a lot more about the agriculture business,” said Verla.
 
“Those months were sheer craziness for my family and me,” she said.
 
In 1975, Verla and Rymell reversed roles. She chaired the Pet Parade and he was her co-chair. She has been chairing it ever since. With her decision to continue with Pet Parade in 2024, Verla is celebrating her 50th year as chair.
 
“I love the pet parade because I love the kids, the animals and agriculture. Those three things are my passions,” said Verla.
 
“That’s why I also helped with 4H and FFA when my three sons were growing up. They were active in both. I still help with the FFA Alumni, and judging 4-H projects,” she said.
 
“During the past 51 years I have had a lot of support in doing the Pet Parade. “Just to name a few, Cynthia Hawk Delycure and Julia Heath each co-chaired the Pet Parade for years,” said Verla.
 
“My daughter-in-law, Kathy VanDergrift has also helped me organize and judge the Pet Parade for many years. I couldn’t do it, or have done it without all those who have helped me through the years.”