Spooky Pooch Parade Seeks Costumed Dogs To Break World Record

The 4th Annual Spooky Pooch Parade is known as the “Largest Halloween Dog Parade from Coast to Coast”! “This event has been so successful in the past, we think we have a great shot at a Guinness World Record [for the] ‘Most Dogs in Costume’ category. The rest of the world should know how much Northeast Ohio loves our dogs,” explained Ian Andrews, LakewoodAlive Executive Director. The current record stands at 603.

When the Spooky Pooch Parade steps off at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15, let’s show the Guinness folks that Northeast Ohio has “gone to the dogs”! Spooky Pooch Parade Prizes will be awarded for: Spookiest Pooch, Most Creative Dog and Child, Most Original Adult and Dog, Best Group Theme with Dogs, Non-motorized Float with Dogs and Best Dog in Show. All dogs must be registered in the parade to win a prize and to count towards the Guinness World Record! Register NOW online at www.DowntownLakewood.org.

Whether you’re one of hundreds that participate in the parade or among the thousands of spectators lining traffic-free Detroit Avenue, come dressed to impress in your Halloween best. Bring your friends, family and especially dogs to the feel-good event of the year. All the fun starts at St. Charles Green (1347 St. Charles Avenue, Lakewood, OH 44017). Thanks to the City of Lakewood for their cooperation and support of this family-friendly event.

SAVE $5.00 PER DOG--REGISTER NOW for $10 at www.DowntownLakewood.org. Festively-dressed accompanying dog lovers are free. In the neighborhood? Fetch a registration form from Lakewood Public Library Main or Madison Branch; Pet’s General Store (16821 Madison Ave., Lakewood); Furry Nation (15800 Detroit Ave., Lakewood); Pet-Tique (10906 Clifton Blvd., Cleveland); or Pet People (19565A Detroit Road, Rocky River). Or sniff out a registration at area hound haunts: Lakewood Dog Park, Pawsitive Influence, Inn the Dog House and The Mutt Hutt.

It’s not just a parade--it’s a doggone dog lover’s experience. Dozens of vendors will be on hand with the best of bow-wow bling, canine couture, doggy demos, pup protection and a variety services for man’s best friend. Of course there’ll be kibble and treats for humans too!

Don’t have a dog? Problem solved! Numerous dog groups will be on hand so you can “Meet Your Mutt”--meet and greet a variety of breeds available for adoption from area rescue groups.

Puppy paparazzi will clamor for shots of cute canines and impressive costumes! Be your own shutterbug too. CAMERAS AND VIDEOS ARE WELCOME as we capture the event for the Guinness World Record. There will be plenty of photo ops throughout the day. Have those batteries charged and don’t miss a moment!

Your tail will be waggin’ over all the excitement from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., building up to the presentation of the coveted, absolutely “pawsome” awards! All dogs must be registered in the parade to win a prize and to count towards the Guinness World Record™!

Don’t miss a thing! Save $5.00! Register NOW online at www.DowntownLakewood.org

Day-of, on-site registration is $15.00 at 1347 St. Charles Avenue, Lakewood, Ohio 44017. All entries must be registered by 1:45 p.m., Oct. 15, 2011.

Photo courtesy of Chris Stephens