The Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade returns on Oct. 23

ICYMI: The 31st edition of the Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade takes place again at the East River Park Amphitheater on Oct. 23 from noon to 3 p.m.

The Farmer's Dog, a service that delivers freshly made pet food, is this year's sponsor. Organizers are also looking for volunteers to help on Oct. 23 (must love dogs?). Volunteer info is at this link.

 

The Dog Parade, which outgrew Tompkins Square Park, took place in East River Park in 2018 and 2019. Last year's pandemic version was mostly virtual with a small in-person/dog event at Lucky on Avenue B.

Thanks to Steven for the photo!

At the 30th annual (and 1st virtual) Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade

Another year, another challenge to overcome for the Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade. 

In 2018, there was the issue with paying for the insurance and liability policy that the Parks Department suddenly required. In the end there was a sponsor and new location at the East River Park amphitheater.

With the pandemic this year, the city wasn't going to allow such a large gathering like this. So organizer Jennifer-Jo Moyer (top left) brought it online for the 30th annual (and 1st virtual) Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade on Saturday afternoon. 

The livestream event included photo and video entries from participants around the country as well as a Zoom portion for people to show off their dogs' costumes. 

Moyer, along with NY1 reporter Stephanie Simon (top right) serving as emcee, were live from a previously undisclosed location, which turned out the be the backyard at Lucky at 168 Avenue B. Several people brought their dogs here for a mini on-location portion of the event.

EVG contributor Stacie Joy shared these photos from Avenue B ... which include local winners Ziggy as Falkor from "The NeverEnding Story" ...

... and Breezy and Starlet as the Rainbow and Stars...

Moyer hopes to do the event live next fall with the 31st annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade. There's an archived video of the virtual dog parade on Facebook.