Hundreds of decked-out dogs walked down Avenue B Saturday for the thirty third annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade — and there was no scarcity of glitz and glamour.
“We hired a doggy designer, and we put our heads together and made this quasi-stage and here we are today having the greatest time,” mentioned Ilene Zeins who, alongside along with her mates, dressed up their dogs because the forged of the Broadway musical, “SIX.”
What You Need To Know
- Hundreds of dogs and their house owners marched down Avenue B from East 14th to East sixth Street Saturday afternoon
- Organizers mentioned they initially needed to cancel attributable to allow issues, ongoing development contained in the park and rising prices however the canine wellness start-up Get Joy determined to assist fund the parade
- A panel of judges chosen 40 dogs and their people to advance to an unique costume competitors inside Tompkins Square Park
It ought to come as no shock that one of the crucial widespread costumes on the parade route was Barbie and Ken.
Leslie Akin mentioned she purchased matching costumes for her and her canine Earle minutes after seeing the “Barbie” film.
“He’s more than Ken to me,” Akin mentioned about Earle. “But he’s just Ken without his Barbie.”
It wouldn’t be the Halloween Dog Parade with out some New York City staples like pizza and sizzling dogs.
Some house owners even dressed up their dogs as different animals and they didn’t shrink back from the digital camera.
“They’re here for the attention and love to be honest,” mentioned Frances Stettner, who was dressed as Little Bo Peep and dressed her dogs as two sheep.
This parade almost didn’t occur this 12 months. Organizers have been forced to cancel it final month, however a canine start-up swooped in and saved the day.
“We immediately raised our hand. We immediately said, ‘How can we help? How can we support this amazing parade?’” mentioned Tom Arrix, founder and CEO of Get Joy.
Organizers mentioned they initially needed to cancel attributable to allow issues, ongoing development contained in the park and rising prices however Get Joy received concerned and determined to assist fund the beloved parade.
“We hope to be a part of this parade for a long, long time. It shined a bright light in our company about really helping in a powerful way. It’s what we love,” mentioned Arrix.
Jaclyn Holmes, who dressed her canine Lexi up as Vanna White, mentioned she and Lexi have been overjoyed to listen to that the occasion was saved.
“She actually doesn’t mind being dressed up. She loves holding hands,” Holmes mentioned. “She loves meeting other dogs and I’m glad today wasn’t cancelled and that we’re back on.”
Some say it’s a parade necessary to New York City and its 600,000 dogs.
“These are our babies,” mentioned Stettner. “This is the greatest day of the year in the city to me.”