Canines, owners show off creative Halloween costumes at dog parade

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Thursday, October 27, 2016
Dogs go all-out for Halloween parade costumes
Hundreds of dogs were dressed in their most fun, creative costumes at the annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade.

This was no ordinary Halloween parade: There was a pooch dressed as late pop icon Prince, a corgi posing as one of Queen Elizabeth's dogs, and a whole crew of canines looking just like Harry Potter and friends.

The 26th annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade Presented by Beggin' and PetSmart was held in Manhattan's East Village on Oct. 22. Organizers estimated that 400 dogs and more than 6,000 spectators came to celebrate. The fun contest raises money for the dog run in Tompkins Square Park.

Some dogs wore entertainment outfits from Game Of Thrones, Star Wars, Stranger Things, Hamilton and more. There were also more general pop culture references like the red sweater-wearing presidential debate questioner Ken Bone or Olympian turned Dancing With the Stars contestant Laurie Hernandez. And still others played up the cute factor by dressing as food or other animals.

Dogs paraded during two rounds, with judges crowning the 10 best from each before choosing an overall winner. In the end, the "Best in Show" went to the "Sweet Shop," an elaborate multi-dog creation complete with gum ball machines, bar stools and lots of candy.