The Northern Liberties Business Improvement District is partnering with Street Tails Animal Rescue on the eighth annual Hound-O-Ween Fall Festival and Pet Costume Contest, which will take over the 700 block of N. 2nd St., on Saturday, Oct. 29, from noon to 5 p.m.
Dozens of furry contestants will compete for prizes in various categories, and try to win best of show. Registration for the benefit is a $30 donation per pet (and $20 for each additional pet). There is a $500 cash grand prize to the winning pet, courtesy of Wilson’s Estate Jewelry.
All proceeds benefit Street Tails Animal Rescue in its mission to help homeless and unwanted animals in the Philadelphia area. On top of the costume contest, look for outdoor fall tunes, Halloween vibes, vendors, music, charity auction, raffle prizes, pet caricatures, a pet photo booth and more. Outdoor food and beverage will be for sale by El Camino Real.
“We can’t wait to see all the pups on parade in costume and wagging their tails,” said NLBID Executive Director Kris Kennedy. “Last year was epic. There were so many fantastic costumes and we can’t wait to see what people come up with this year. Northern Liberties Business Improvement District is delighted to once again host Philadelphia’s largest Halloween pet costume contest and festival to support Street Tails Animal Rescue. They have a difficult job, homing pets, and we want to ensure they can continue to do it. Registration is now open for pets and their costumed humans. If you have a pet ready to strut, come out and walk the stage with them.”
Contestants will compete for prizes in Best Puppy, Best Adult Dog, Best Group and Best Pet and Human Combo. Additionally, all pets entered will compete for the grand prize of $500.
“Nearly 10 years ago, STAR had a Halloween parade to raise funds for the rescue,” said Street Tails Animal Rescue Operations Manager Nichole Brophy. “This parade was the genesis of Hound-O-Ween, the event we’ve held each year since (with the exception of the COVID years) to promote STAR and animal rescue in general. While it started as a very small parade of about 5 to 10 contestants, it has grown into an annual gathering attended by a diverse force of supporters. This event creates a fun and dynamic atmosphere for all to enjoy, giving us an excuse to be kids again as we dress up ourselves and our animal companions. Street Tails looks forward to this event all year and is so grateful for all who come out to engage in the festivities.”
For registration and full details, visit https://www.explorenorthernliberties.org/event/. ••
