Costumed canines will promenade down Washington Street this Saturday for the event’s 10th anniversary
BOSTON – This Saturday marks the 10th anniversary of a howl-a-weekend tradition—the Doggone Pet Parade in Downtown Crossing.
The event takes place Saturday, Oct. 26 from 12-3 p.m., and is hosted by the Downtown Boston Business Improvement District. David Ertischek, former BID communications and social media manager, founded the event 10 years ago.
“I love animals and I love dogs,” Ertischek said. “We were looking for events to draw people to Downtown Crossing.”
Ertischek was able to get several dozen contestants in the first year of the parade by handing out flyers to dog-owners in the Boston Common. Now, the event is advertised entirely online, and 148 dogs are registered this year.
“It’s an amazing spectator event as well,” said Rebecca Kilgallon, administrative manager at Boston BID. “There’s face painting, a DJ, giveaways, there’s going to be a photo booth, and family friendly activities.”
The categories for the contest are Best Costume, Scariest Costume, Cutest Costume, Best Dog and Human Duo, and Best Dog and Child Duo. Killgallon could not yet release specific prizes, but said they would include high-value rewards like stays at hotels and gift certificates to local restaurants.
The event kicks off at noon with vendors and activities, as well as a Pooch-a-Palooza village with dog-friendly organizations and giveaways. The parade will start around 1-1:15 p.m., and the costumed canines will march up Washington Street in front of the judges. Awards and prizes are set to start around 2 p.m.
While he’s now a writer and content producer at Emerson College, Ertischek was invited back to be a judge for this year’s 10th anniversary parade.
“It’ll be really interesting to see the evolution of it this year,” Ertischek said.
The Doggone Halloween Parade takes place on Saturday, Oct. 26 in Downtown Crossing, Boston from 12-3 p.m. No tickets are required and it is a free event for spectators.
