Woodinville’s beloved Basset Bash began in 1983 with Gary and Patti Greene, who brought more than two basset hounds to town — they brought a wonderfully unforgettable idea.
After enjoying San Diego’s annual Basset Bash, the Greenes approached Woodinville’s April Fools’ Day Parade planners about adding a basset parade and bash to the community celebration, with Carol Edwards as head of that early parade committee. The idea may have seemed a little unserious at first — Gary reportedly joked that some thought bassets were not “sophisticated enough” for Woodinville — but the people clearly disagreed.
By 2006, The Seattle Times credited the Greenes as founders and organizers of Woodinville’s annual Basset Bash and Brigade, noting that the event had grown from about 30 dogs to more than 300 hounds from across the nation, with contests for longest ears, best howl, best trick, funniest name, best costume, and even crowned king and queen hounds.
Today, the tradition continues as part of Celebrate Woodinville, with the Basset Brigade marching in the parade and the Basset Bash taking place afterward at DeYoung Park — proof that Woodinville takes its long ears, low waddles, and community traditions very seriously.
