After 32 years in New York City the Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade has become a Halloween staple event, and less than a week after announcing the parade would cancelled for the foreseeable future, it’s back on!
Each year, hundreds of NYC’s cutest pooches would let their alter-egos shine and sport their most creative costumes, unsurprisingly drawing in thousands of spectators.
Everyone has a barking good time at this event, and the furry contestants would compete for exciting prizes!
CNN even called it “the largest dog costume parade in the world,” though, last week, a simple message on their website read:
PARADE HAS BEEN CANCELLED FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE.
A post on their Instagram went more in depth regarding possible permit costs, stating “With ongoing building work in both our local parks there was just no way to hold the parade this year…the Halloween Parade is a fundraising event to raise money for maintenance and improvements in the dog run.”
But now a press release states that “a last-minute golden retrieval is keeping the beloved barkfest alive and better than ever for its 33rd year.”
That “golden retrieval” is Connecticut-based dog wellness startup Get Joy, who’s partnering with parade organizers to help fund the parade.
Organizer Joseph Borduin reportedly said in a statement:
We are beyond thrilled to announce that the 2023 Halloween Dog Parade is back on. This wouldn’t have been possible without the cooperation of Councilwoman Carlina Rivera, Mayor Eric Adams, city agencies, the NYPD, and with the generous support of Get Joy.
This year’s parade will take place on Avenue B from E. 6th Street to E. 14th Street, and E. 7th Street between Avenue A and Avenue B. This year’s iteration will be set up more like a human parade, and a stage will also be set up inside the park.
The Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade is scheduled for Saturday, October 21st, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
In addition to this parade there are tons of other fun Halloween events to head to in NYC this year.
Here are some adorable pics of pups from last year’s event to look at while we wait!
Happy Howl-o-ween!
Also published on Medium.