Halloween Goes to the Dogs

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Tompkins Square Park in New York City will host one of the largest and most creative Halloween events in the US this Saturday. That’s when more than 500 fancifully attired Labradors, Yorkshire terriers, poodles, and mutts put on the dog. The 25^th annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade, sponsored by Purina Beggin’, brings out tail-wagging fun for participants and thousands of spectators.

More than 500 fancifully attired pooches and their owners strut their stuff starting at noon when the runway competition begins. In years past, a bulldog morphed into a Yellow Taxi, a Chihuahua impersonated a lion, a wire terrier looked daring as Evel Knievel and a greyhound moved gracefully on butterfly wings. Last year’s winner, a tiny white fluff of a pooch, sailed to the top spot as a passenger on the Titanic.

Pre-registration isn’t required and the suggested donation is $5 at the door. The Halloween dog parade serves as a fundraiser for Tompkins Square Dog Run, New York City’s first dog park.

No bones about it, costumes for pooches are big business. In 2014 Americans spent $350 million on Halloween getups for their pets. Yes, $350 million. Nowhere else in the Big Apple can you see so many cute pooches in creative store-bought and homemade costumes. Get to the park early so you can enjoy the pets and their people.

Tompkins Square Dog Run, 500 East 9^th Street, between avenues A and B. Oct. 24. Noon to 3 p.m.

Do you dress up your dog for Halloween? Share your comments, suggestions, and pictures in the comments below or connect with me on Twitter, @familyitrips.