Popular Costumed Canine Event Returns to Lakewood’s Kauffman Park
Every dog has his day and that day is one month from now on Saturday, Oct. 15. That’s when costumed canines will rule the day in Downtown Lakewood from 12:30 to 4 p.m. during the 9th Annual Spooky Pooch Parade.
Sponsored by Discount Drug Mart and presented by LakewoodAlive, the Spooky Pooch Parade consists of a festival within Kauffman Park (15450 Detroit Avenue), a parade through Lakewood’s Downtown business district on Detroit Avenue and an awards presentation. A favorite Halloween tradition for Northeast Ohio dog lovers and their families, this popular community festival represents one of the only events of its kind within the region, providing a tail-wagging good time for canine and human guests alike.
Register your dog now to march in the 2016 Spooky Pooch Parade by visiting SpookyPoochParade.com. Pre-registration is $10 per dog and day-of registration is $15 per dog. Multiple dog discounts are available with pre-registration only. Humans are free. This community event takes place rain or shine, and proceeds from the parade benefit LakewoodAlive.
Festivities get underway with the Spooky Pooch Festival beginning at 12:30 p.m. at Kauffman Park, where parade day-of registration and check-in will be available. Enjoy entertainment, kids games, delicious foods for purchase and dog-related vendors, including rescue groups and other nonprofits offering canine-oriented goods and services. Kids are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes and visit vendors for some early trick-or-treating.
Bring your top dog to the 9th Annual Spooky Pooch Parade on Saturday, Oct. 15. (Photo Credit: BiG Photography)
The much-anticipated dog parade commences at 2 p.m. Dogs of all shapes and sizes dressed in their finest Halloween fashions will strut their stuff along Detroit Avenue. Judges will award prizes beginning at approximately 3:15 p.m. in a number of categories, including Best Dog & Child, Best, Dog & Adult, Best Dog & Group, Spookiest Pooch and Best in Show.
“We’re as excited as a dog greeting you at the door about having our Spooky Pooch Parade return for a ninth consecutive year,” said Ian Andrews, Executive Director of LakewoodAlive. “Not only does this crowd-pleasing community event showcase our city’s vibrancy, but it’s also a great deal of fun for everyone who participates.”
To register your dog to participate in the parade, click here. To apply to be a vendor at the festival, click here. For more information regarding the Spooky Pooch Parade, please visit SpookyPoochParade.com.
The Spooky Pooch Parade is generously supported by the following sponsors: Discount Drug Mart (title sponsor), City of Lakewood, First Federal Lakewood, Inn The Doghouse, Pet’s General Store and Renewal by Andersen Window Replacement.
Photo Credit: BiG Photography