Spooky Pooch Parade: Here's What We Saw at the 2023 Dog Event in Lakewood

Who knew being spooky could be so darn cute? 

Attendees of the annual Spooky Pooch Parade in Lakewood certainly did, as dozens of dog owners turned out on Oct. 14 to show off their pups' halloween costumes. The event is in its 16th year and supports the nonprofit LakewoodAlive. Participating pups paraded down Madison Avenue, Clarence Avenue, Athens Avenue and Halstead Avenue to and from Madison Park. 

“The Spooky Pooch Parade is an autumn tradition in Lakewood that so many of our neighbors look forward to every year,” said Ian Andrews, Executive Director of LakewoodAlive, in a press release previewing the event. “We are thrilled to gather once again at Madison Park for a celebration of canines, costumes and community.”

While some notable highlights included a Chihuahua version of Taylor Swift, a tie-dye poodle and an adorable terrier dressed as an ewok from Star Wars. While we certainly couldn't pick between them to determine a winner of the grand prize, which included dog food for a year, the judges selected "Little Shop of Horrors," a medium-sized dog donning a mask that resembled a venus fly trap, as this year's spookiest pup. Other honors included "Best Pooch and Child," "Best Pooch and Adult," "Best Pooch and Group" and "Best in Show." 

Here's are some photos from this year's event.