Published: December 01, 2008 04:42 pm      

Pasadena bound

Plainfield residents participate in Tournament of Roses parade

PLAINFIELD — When Gerry Dunkin mentioned that she hoped to some day participate in the distinguished Tournament of Roses Parade, she never thought that dream would come to fruition.

Dunkin and her husband, Ralph, own and operate Dunkin Acres farm in Plainfield. They raise, train, and breed miniature donkeys, which have an average hight from 28 to 36 inches, where a standard donkey stands between 36 and 48 inches tall.

Dunkin told Kent McPhail, executive director of the Plainfield Chamber of Commerce, that she wanted to be a part of the “most sought after” parade. McPhail told her if she applied and they were accepted, the chamber would help pay the fees to get them there.

“Financially it’s a big help to have the chamber step up,” Dunkin said. “I thought it wouldn’t ever happen. Most parades pick groups, not individuals. We’re pleased to be a part of Plainfield and having the chamber and Hendricks County back us.”

Dunkin will lead her team of six miniature donkeys through the parade on Jan. 1, 2009, in Pasadena, Calif. She will be joined by McPhail, who will sport a jacket that says “Plainfield Chamber of Commerce, Plainfield, Indiana” on the back to gain some national exposure for the town. They will be taking eight minature donkeys — six for the parade and two back ups — which will be transported by Grand Champion, a business out of Avon.

Dunkin said she’s been in national parades in Dallas, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., and they participate in the Kentucky Derby parade every year, but the Tournament of Roses Parade is the most recognized in the United States.

She said they were completely shocked when they learned in August that they had been selected to participate.

“We did not expect it, really,” she said. “It’s just such a coveted parade and they had about 100 applicants and there are 18 in the parade and three are a given ... that leaves 15 slots. For a little person out of Plainfield or Hendricks County, you think it isn’t going to happen, but we were ecstatic and very happy.”

McPhail will be riding along with Dunkin in the parade wagon, while his wife, Mr. Dunkin, and other guests from Plainfield will be in the grandstands.

“I think any time your community can get national exposure, it’s a plus,” McPhail said. “Plainfield is well-known as a distribution center in the country and we certainly want to promote our city as a great place to live, a community of values.”

The Dunkins and their donkeys will also participate in the Equestfest on Dec. 28 in the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank. It will feature all of the equestrian units in the parade and will be broadcast on RFD-TV. DIRECTV subscribers can see the event by tuning to channel 379 and DISH Network subscribers can tune to channel 231.

McPhail said the budget that the chamber set for helping with the funds was $21,000 and so far they’ve raised about $12,000 through donations and mailings.

Dunkin said if the chamber didn’t raise all of the money to send them to Pasadena, they would be paying for the rest of their way, as it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Anyone interested in making a donation may send a check to the Plainfield Chamber of Commerce, 210 W. Main Street, P.O. Box 14, Plainfield, IN 46168. More information about the event and how to donate is available on the chamber’s website at www.plainfield-in.com or by calling 839-3800.

charlee.beasor@flyergroup.com