Get Those Doggies Ready, Essex County: Pet Halloween Costume Contests 2016

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Get those doggies primped and ready for Halloween, Essex County.

On Saturday, Oct. 22, Essex County will host the annual “Strut Your Mutt Canine Halloween Costume Parade and Contest,” a free, public event that includes a pet parade. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third places in a variety of categories. For more information, call (973) 268-3500.

Two parades are scheduled for 2016:

Morning Parade

• Date: Saturday, October 22, 2016
• Rain Date: Sunday, October 23
• Time: Registration: 9:15 a.m.
• Parade: 10 a.m.
• Place: Essex County Brookdale Dog Park, Grove Street, Montclair

Afternoon Parade

• Date: Saturday, October 22, 2016
• Rain Date: Sunday, October 23
• Time: Registration: 1:15 p.m.
• Parade: 2 p.m.
• Place: Essex County South Mountain Dog Park, Crest Drive, Maplewood/Millburn, NJ

BARKTOBERFEST 2016

Another pet costume contest is slated to take place at the “BARKtoberfest” adoption event scheduled from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange.

According to a news release, visitors will be able to meet adoptable dogs, cats, puppies and kittens while supporting local animal shelters and rescue groups. The event will take place in the Zoo’s Berson Learning Center, located directly off Northfield Avenue.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their pets in costume for a chance to enter a “Best Costume” contest, the release stated. The day’s events will also include food, entertainment, vendors and educational exhibits.

Several area animal shelters and rescue groups are expected to participate; all proceeds from BARKtoberfest will benefit these groups, organizers stated.

Livingston-based Eastman Companies and The Shoppes at the Livingston Circle are lending their support by sponsoring the Pet Photo Booth & Costume Contest. For a $2.00 donation, attendees can have their pet’s photo taken and entered into the contest on The Shoppes at the Livingston Circle’s Facebook page. Family, friends and the community will be able to vote for their favorite costume. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place.

For more information about BARKtoberfest call (973) 885-9796, or e-mail friendsoflivingstonshelter@gmail.com.

Photo: Flickr Commons, Petful.com

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