By Ysabelle Kempe, news correspondent
Dozens of dogs and their owners gathered in downtown Boston on Summer Street for the Fourth Annual Doggone Halloween Costume Parade Friday. The main attraction of the event was the costume contest, which, as specified on the event’s Facebook page, any well-behaved dog was welcome to enter.
The event was created by David Ertischek, communications and social media manager for Downtown Boston Business Improvement District, or BID. The goal of the event, other than bringing together adorable dogs to celebrate Halloween, was to bring more people to downtown Boston and build community in the area.
“I thought [the event] would take advantage of the growing residential population and all the dogs who live in the downtown Boston area,” Ertischek said. “The BID wants to create destination events that attract lots of people to the area. And people love dogs, especially when they’re in costumes.”
The event was free and sponsored by Downtown Boston BID and the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Prizes were provided by Hyatt Regency Boston, Roche Bros. and more. The grand prize was a one-night stay for owners and their pups at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. However, every puppy went home with a prize. The Boston Water and Sewer Commission got involved as well, bringing a water trailer to provide fresh water to the dogs.
Lined along Summer Street at the time of the event were more than a dozen barking dogs outfitted in costumes. From Boston terriers facading as business CEOs to Samoyeds wearing pink tutus and tiaras, dogs of all shapes and sizes made the trip to the city for the event. Andie Smidler, a Harvard Ph. D. student, and her dog Dudlee were dressed as Jack Skellington and his dog Zero from the cartoon film “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Their intricate and accurate costumes were entirely handmade.
“[Dudlee] is really smart and just graduated level 2 obedience,” Smidler said. “She’s practiced wearing this for two months with treats, lots of treats.”
Northeastern students also joined the festivities while taking a break from their studies for some pet therapy. Robert Moss, a first-year politics, philosophy and economics major, stumbled across the parade with his parents while exploring Boston.
“Even though dogs aren’t my favorite animals, I definitely had an appreciation for it,” Moss said. “My favorite was a labradoodle dressed as Wonder Woman.”
Dog-themed vendors and animal-oriented organizations occupied tables. Both the Boston Animal Control Department and PetPals, a local program that brings dogs to visit elderly residents in long-term care facilities, were there to educate passersby on their work.
The event has gained popularity since it began in 2014: Ertischek said in the month leading up to the event, he gets multiple emails asking when the parade will be because owners want to plan out their costumes.
Although Boston is a large city, Ertischek said events like these make the city seem closer knit while creating connections — whether it is between humans or dogs. He compared the costume parade to being at a party with friends.
“I like seeing all of the dogs together,” Ertischek said. “It’s amusing to see a bulldog dressed up as a cop hanging with a Great Dane dressed as a taco as a chihuahua donning a pumpkin outfit hangs out nearby. It’s entertaining.”
