By Access Network news report, OCNJDAILY
The fifth annual Howl-O-Ween Parade and Dog Days Weekend will return to the Ocean City Boardwalk on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 25 and 26, inviting dogs and their owners to enjoy a weekend full of tail-wagging fun.
This is a rare opportunity for leashed dogs to join their humans on the Boardwalk, where pets are typically prohibited.
Leashed dogs will be permitted on the Boardwalk from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26.
On Saturday, pet owners can explore dog-friendly vendors, pose for photo ops, including pictures with Santa, and enjoy the Humane Society of Ocean City’s announcement of Ocean City’s “Pet of the Year.”
Shoppers can also find gourmet dog treats, custom-engraved dog tags, and other pet-themed goodies.
The highlight of the weekend is the Howl-O-Ween Parade, kicking off at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25. Participants are encouraged to dress themselves and their dogs in Halloween costumes for a fun and festive stroll along the Boardwalk.
The parade route runs from Sixth Street to 14th Street, with prizes awarded in a variety of categories.
A colorful Howl-O-Ween banner signals the start of the parade in 2024.
This year’s parade grand marshals include former Philadelphia Phillie Milt Thompson and FOX 29 news anchor Dawn Timmeney.
Thompson played a key role in the Phillies’ unexpected, last-to-first 1993 National League Championship team, which advanced to the World Series. In 2004, he returned to the Phillies as a coach, later serving as hitting coach during the team’s 2008 World Series victory.
Timmeney, an Emmy-winning journalist, joined FOX 29 in 2013 as a general assignment reporter. Prior to that, she spent 12 years at NBC-10 in Philadelphia. A passionate animal advocate, she also co-produced and hosted “Dawn’s Pet Project,” a weekly show focused on animal welfare and education.
All parade registration proceeds will benefit the Humane Society of Ocean City. Organizers are currently seeking dog-related vendors and event participants. To register or learn more, please visit www.ocnj.us/dogday.
The event is sponsored by Jilly’s OCNJ, OCNJ Entertainment, Playland’s Castaway Cove and Kohr Brothers.
