Last Saturday, Romeo and I ventured out to Tompkins Square Park in NYC for the 24th Annual Halloween Dog Parade. I will say Romeo’s size 2T Superman T-shirt from Six Flags Great Adventure didn’t stand a chance against the creative apparel and presentations we saw. From intricate themed stages constructed to display costumed pups to entire families dressing up to play the part, this parade had it all.
As we wandered through the madness, we encountered awesome superheros, dangerous dragons, roaring lions, tasty tacos, plump pumpkins, baby ballerinas, stinky skunks, scary spiders, and much, much more. Crowds gathered around the cutest contestants, snapping photos from every angle as they questioned fellow owners where they found that adorable turtle shell and dapper sailor hat. Instragram accounts were exchanged and friends were made.
I will say, Romeo loved the attention.
We couldn’t even get inside the park before we were stopped by a crowd for a photo op. Romeo was a good sport, as he worked his runway, and made sure to rotate every few seconds to allow photographers to capture all angles. Especially his good side.
We continued through to the park, where we met a French Bull-Lion. His elegant mane was quite intimidating, but Super Romeo fears nothing. He gave that lion the butt-sniffing he deserved. Roar.
And he liked it!
Next, we encountered some sort of Captain America superhero/presidential type pup.
And a pug in a pumpkin doing what pumpkins do best—nothing. Romeo caught him sitting on the sidelines taking it all in. Maybe he was posing as a jack-o-lantern? Nonetheless, Romeo said hello.
Did I tell you Super Romeo fears nothing? Not even Jaws!
And especially not tacos! I told him this was one taco he couldn’t eat.
But he tried to anyway.
Then came Porkchop. He’s a feisty 4 month old English Bully pup who was originally dressed as a pumpkin, too. If you ask me, why cover up this cuteness with a bunch of orange fluff?
Yet, Romeo was skeptical of this pup called Porkchop. So we continued on our way.
And here we have a French Bull-Horse.
And a beautiful Bulldog Ballerina.
Oh. Hello.
Romeo was challenged to a fight by Karate Dog. Until Karate Dog realized Romeo can sit on him.
Then this guy flew in.
Romeo stared him down as he kept walking.
What’s this?! Another Super Frenchie? He must be an imposter!
#twinning!!
Our superhero convention was quickly interrupted when a funk slowly filled the air.
And revealed none other than this adorable Penelope. The happiest skunk we’ve ever seen.
As we continued walking through the park, we eventually ended up at the dog run area, where the costume contest was taking place. Clearly, Romeo did not belong in the competition, but we entered anyway—unaware that we had to walk a runway.
Romeo was not impressed.
But Leo was! This is Leo, the English Bulldog/Ninja Turtle. He kept us company while we were on line for the runway.
We were contestant #497 and of course, the LAST contestants on line. Clearly, they saved the best for last.
Ross Matthews was there! He was hosting the contest. He asked us a few questions about Romeo before we made our way down the runway across a row of judgmental eyes. We had seen the competition though, so we didn’t stick around to hear the results. So proud of Romeo for being a trooper.
I mean, this is who we were up against. Scooby and the whole gang!
This gory vampire horror scene?
And this organic fruit stand. Among others.
So we left the judging area and wandered back out into the park to hang with some more friends.
Until we felt so claustrophobic and so overwhelmed, that we decided to escape the city and head back to our quiet home on Staten Island. But of course, Romeo had to pose for just one more picture. From his good side.
See you next time!
The Annual Tompkins Square Park Halloween Dog Parade is said to be the largest dog costume parade in the world with hundreds of dogs in costumes and thousands of spectators. This year’s parade was sponsored by Purina Beggin’ with contestants competing for thousands of dollars in prizes. Thanks Purina!