PORTAGE PARK — Furry four-legged critters decked out in their Halloween finest are set to take over Portage Park this weekend.
The annual Portage Park Dog Park Committee Halloween dog costume parade and costume contest will take place at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at Portage Park, 4100 N. Long Ave.
The cost to register is $5 in advance or $10 on the day of the parade. The proceeds will benefit the dog-friendly area in the northwest corner of the park near Central and Berteau avenues, which was expanded in 2013.
Awards will be given for the funniest and scariest costumes, as well as the judge's favorite, best human and dog combination, and the best dog team or group, organizers said.
For more information and to buy tickets, email portagedogpark@gmail.com or go to portagedogpark.com.
After the parade, the Portage Park Animal Hospital and Dental Clinic, 5419 W. Irving Park Road, will host an open house to celebrate its 30th anniversary, officials said.
The open house will feature hot apple cider, coffee and snacks as well as a pet caricature artist, games, and tours of the clinic run by Roger Schrock, who has owned the animal hospital since 1985.
The event will microchip checking station to allow owners to make sure their pets' identification chip is working, organizers said.
Proceeds from raffles of prizes from local businesses at the event as well as donations will benefit Harmony House for Cats and Furever Rescue, which work with the animal hospital, organizers said.
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