Photo: QueensPost
Oct. 28, 2013 By Sean Brosnan
The 2nd annual Sunnyside/Woodside Halloween Pet Parade drew a large crowd on Saturday, with over 200 people and at least 50 dogs all decked out in Halloween attire.
The march, dubbed the “Woofside Pet Parade” by local non-profit and organizer Woodside on the Move, began at Skillman Pets on 49th street and ended at Windmuller Park, where both pets and owners were treated to an array of Halloween festivities.
Prizes were awarded for Best Costume, Best Matching Dog & Human, and Funniest Costume. A red carpet was set out for the dogs to showcase their costumes as well as perform tricks for the judges.
Dogs ranged from Yorkshire Terriers to Komondors and were dressed as popes, strippers, brides and grooms, superheroes, turtles, the No. 7 train and chefs to name but a few.
There were even rabbits and cats at the event.
The sponsors included Skillman Pets, Queens Animal Hospital, FitPup and Petland Discounts, and they all set up tables at the park in order to give out treats and prizes to participating dogs and owners.
“I am so happy with this year’s parade,” said Adrian Bordoni, executive director of Woodside on the Move. “We just wanted something creative and fun …to make this neighborhood even more pet-friendly.”
The guest of honor was City Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer who congratulated ‘Woodside on the Move’ for hosting another successful parade.
‘This is definitely a great, fun event for the neighborhood,” Van Bramer said. “I’m a dog lover myself, nothing against cats, I love them too but I love dogs more,” he joked.
“We are all dog lovers here,” Bordoni said. “I own a dog so I think if this keeps growing and the interest is there then we could definitely get a full Halloween pet festival going soon.”
Abdel Rios, owner of the Skillman Pets, echoed Bordoni’s statements and said that there was a sharp rise in participation from last year’s parade.
“Last year was good but this year was even better,” Rios said. “This really was a fantastic parade.”
