Cody resident and parade legend Hope Sheets has been named “honorary grand marshal” of the 14th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday March 15.
“I call myself the ‘grand marshette,’” Sheet said.
A constant fixture in Cody parades for about 30 years, Sheets is known best for walking her dyed poodle (usually pink, but green on Saturday for St. Patrick’s Day), while wearing platform heels and a long, formal skirt .
“As long as I can remember back, she’s been walking with a poodle in the parades,” parade organizer Margie Johnson said.
Tim Wade, parade committee member and owner of North Fork Anglers, informed Sheets she of her honorary grand marshal status.
“He said, ‘It was about time you have that,’ and I said, ‘I’m honored,’” Sheets said.
Sheets, 77, and her husband Lloyd have lived in Cody for 43 years.
During her first Cody parade, Sheets wore a Western outfit with an undyed poodle. She had wanted to advertise her dog business, but a Western motif blends in during a Cody parade.
“After that first year I decided I’m going to dye the dog pink,” Sheets said. “And it’s been a hit – it baffles me what a hit it is.”
In addition to the strangers complimenting her attire and dyed poodle, Sheets has won prizes for her participation in parades. In 2011 she won the “Honored Guest” award.
On Saturday, look for Sheets – she shouldn’t be hard to spot in her full-length skirt and platform heels, walking a green poodle, rain, snow or shine.
