Halloween is Going to the Dogs (and Cats) in Salem

Halloween and Haunted Happenings gets bigger every year in Salem. This year, the events aren’t just for people, but also for Spot and Spike and Fido.

This year, Salem Main Streets is working with Salem Pet Photo, the New England Dog Biscuit Company,Creative Salem, It’s Reigning Cats-n-Dogs, and a number of other community partners to introduce the first annual Howl-o-ween Parade, to be held on Sunday, Oct. 11 at 1 p.m. on Artists’ Row.

“There have been many wonderful October pet events in the past,” said Kylie Sullivan, Executive Director of Salem Main Streets, “but I didn’t see anything planned for this year. I really wanted to do something special that would engage our residents, appeal to our visitors, and celebrate our local businesses. Salem is such a pet-friendly community; it seemed like a no-brainer that we needed a pet parade during Haunted Happenings.”

The event will include a pet photo booth, some games, an area with information about local rescues and pet-focused downtown businesses, and most importantly, a parade and costume contest with prizes. Pets of all species are welcome, but should be well-behaved and comfortable at a busy event where there are likely to be many dogs, according to Salem Main Streets officials.

“I think the City of Salem’s Artists’ Row is the perfect venue for Howl-o-ween, and not just because it’s a safe space for the attendees,” said Sullivan. “From the pet-inspired works at Diane Hoffman DINO Textiles to the very dog-friendly Lobster Shanty, there are such great partners on the Row to play with for an event like this.”

This is a free event, though attendees wishing to participate in the parade will be asked to register at the event to make note of their pet’s name for judging and verify that they are up to date on all required vaccinations.

In addition, Salem Main Streets is working with Creative Salem and It’s Reigning Cats-n- Dogs on a social media contest for the “Black Cat of Salem.”