LONG ISLAND CITY — It’ll be a Howl-o-ween time for LIC dogs.
Dozens of Hunters Point pooches will strut their stuff Sunday in the annual “paw-rade” and “Howl-o-ween” costume contest — breaking out their best bee, pirate and even Richard Simmons get-ups.
“We expect 75 to 100 dogs this year,” said Tal Shuster, owner of Breadbox Café at 47-11 11th St. the event's organizer. “It’s going to be fun for the dogs and for their owners.”
During the free event, Breadbox Café will be serving hot cider, cookies and treats. Dogs and children will be entertained by activities, too.
While children will be trying their hands at crafts, dogs will be busy with trainers from Camp Bow Wow, a local doggie day care. The cuddly canines will also be posing for photographers from Kiki LIC Photography, which specializes in pet photography and will be taking snapshots at their photo booth.
Experts from LIC Veterinary Center, a new Hunters Point vet, will also talk about how to keep dogs healthy and how to feed them properly.
During the parade, the dogs will walk around the neighborhood and the panel of judges will choose the best costume, giving out extra points if the owners dress up to match their dogs.
“Usually pooches have amazing costumes,” Shuster, who is organizing the parade for the third time, added. “More and more people join us every year, which is wonderful.”
Last year's winner, named Jackson, donned a Richard Simmons costume.
The winning pup and its owners will get a free brunch at Breadbox Café. Second prize will be a mini photo shoot by Kiki LIC Photography and the third prize will be a gift certificate from Camp Pow Wow.
After the parade, people will be also able to vote for their favorite picture on the Kiki LIC Photography's website. The owner of the dog with the most "likes" will receive a free framed photo of the pooch.
To pre-register your dog, go here.
