QUEENS — It’s a Howl-o-ween time for Forest Hills pooches.
A group of dog owners is throwing the first ever Howl-O-Ween Pooch Party in the neighborhood to celebrate their pets, the organizers said.
The party will take place on Oct. 23 at the Underbridge Dog Run, at 64th Avenue and Grand Central Parkway Service Road, with a suggested donation of $5 to help beautify the area.
“We expect at least about 100 dog owners and other community members [at the party],” said Vivek Thapar, one of the event organizers.
During the party, the dogs and their owners will compete in a Halloween costume contest and the panel of judges will select winners in four categories: best dog/owner combo, scariest dog, funniest dog, and most original human or dog.
There will be prizes, treat baskets and a pet photo booth, the organizers said.
Thapar, who has led the efforts to beautify the space, said that he hopes the event will attract more attention to the dog run that is currently utilized by about 200 dog owners, he said.
Many dog owners had considered the area dirty and tried to avoid in the past until a group of local volunteers initiated a series of "Barks for Parks" clean-ups this spring.
Thapar said that earlier this year the group has won a $1,500 grant from Partnership for Parks to improve the space, and already replaced old wood chips with new ones and installed new garbage bins.
They also hope to install dog waste bag dispensers, a water fountain and additional seating, but a thorough overhaul would require more funds.
The "Howl-O-Ween Pooch Party'" is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 23, at 1 p.m. at the Underbridge Dog Run (between 64th Avenue and 64th Road and Grand Central Parkway Service Road). The suggested donation is $5 for adults (proceeds will go to beautify the dog run). Those interested in volunteering, donating or sponsoring the event, can contact underbridgedogrun@gmail.com.