Former Eagles Favorite Is Howl-O-Ween Parade Grand Marshal In Ocean City

OCEAN CITY, NJ — A former Philadelphia Eagles player and fan favorite will serve as the grand marshal of Ocean City's annual Howl-O-Ween Parade on Oct. 26.

Vince Papale was named as this year's grand marshal, according to city officials.

Papale was a 30-year-old teacher, coach and part-time bartender when he attended a public tryout for the Philadelphia Eagles in 1976. Not only did he make the team, Papale became a fan favorite and earned the team's “Man of the Year” honors in 1978 for his gritty play on special teams. His story is the subject of the film “Invincible.”

The Howl-O-Ween Parade, hosted by the Humane Society of Ocean City, welcomes costumed pets in a procession down the Boardwalk on Oct. 26 starting at 3 p.m. It's part of of Dog Days on the Boardwalk Oct. 26 and 27, a weekend that welcomes dogs on the Boardwalk, where they are usually prohibited.

Leashed dogs are invited on the Boardwalk between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. that Saturday, and between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. that Sunday.

Saturday will see dog-specific vendors along the Boardwalk, photo-op stations and the Humane Society’s announcement of Ocean City's “Pet of the Year.” The event will allow owners to shop for dog treats, dog collars, shoot photos with Santa and more. People are encouraged to dress themselves and their dogs in Halloween costumes for the Howl-O-Ween Parade on Oct. 26. Registration for the Howl-O-Ween Parade is now open and all proceeds will benefit the Humane Society of Ocean City.

For more information, visit ocnj.us/DogDay.