The popular Tompkins Square Park Halloween Dog Parade went on without a hitch Saturday, despite being initially canceled due to rain.
Three winners were crowned. We wholeheartedly agree with the judges' opinions.
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1. Pooka the Bear
Pooka the Pomeranian and his parents Sam Carpenter and Michelle Leone.
2. Willy Wonka
Penny Lane of Frenchie and owners Joyce and Tory Kam and their son.
3. Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon – Pikachu
Mimi, a bichon, is owned by Kat Liu and Kevin Condardo. Last year Mimi was the bodega cat.
The parade traveled down Avenue B from East 6th Street to East 14th Street and ended at the stage in Tompkins Square Park. Fern Watt, dog author and director of communications for the Tompkins Square Park Dog Run; Tom Alix, founder and CEO of Get Joy; Veterinary consultant Dr. Brett Levitzke of Virg Brooklyn and others served as judges.
Last month, we broke the news that the 2023 parade was canceled due to red tape, and the internet went wild over this terrible news, and it seems like city officials were listening. Thanks to a few local leaders and a new sponsor, local dog wellness startup Get Joy, it's back.
Thank the dog gods, because this event is one of New York City's biggest and most iconic. It would be a travesty to go without it. We would never have seen such amazing costumes.
Below are some of our favorite outfits.
