The third annual Howl-O-Ween Parade and Dog Day will invite dogs and their owners to enjoy a day of fun on the Boardwalk on Saturday, Oct. 21, and this year the event will be expanded to allow dogs again on Sunday, Oct. 22.
Leashed dogs will be permitted on the Boardwalk from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 21 rain or shine, and activities will include 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, order custom-engraved dog tags, shoot photos with Santa and much more.
The “Howl-O-Ween” Parade and dog costume contest on Saturday is for people and dogs of all ages. Contestants are encouraged to dress themselves and their pets in zany Halloween costumes in the spirit of the season.
The Humane Society’s “Pet of the Year” will help lead the parade, and Philadelphia Eagles mascot SWOOP will be the grand marshal. Registration begins at 1 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Sports and Civic Center (Sixth Street and Boardwalk). The parade begins at 3 p.m., and the procession is from Sixth Street to 14th Street on the Boardwalk.
The event is hosted by the City of Ocean City, the Boardwalk Merchants Association and the Humane Society of Ocean City, with proceeds benefiting the Humane Society.
The timeline for the Saturday events includes:
- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Dogs permitted on the Boardwalk
- 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Free photos with Santa in a lifeguard boat under the Ocean City Music Pier loggia
- 12 p.m.: Pet of the Year announcement at the Ocean City Music Pier (Boardwalk at Moorlyn Terrace)
- 1 p.m.: Day-of parade registration and pre-registration packet pickup starts at the Ocean City Sports and Civic Center (Sixth Street and Boardwalk)
- 3 p.m.: Boardwalk parade starts at Sixth Street and continues to 14th Street
Dogs will be permitted on the Boardwalk again from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 22. Water and dog waste stations will be available along the Boardwalk.
For more information, please visit www.ocnj.us/dogday.
