by Noella Noelophile®
If October comes, can pumpkins, costumes and wagging tails be far behind?
Registration is open for Justin Rudd’s 25th annual “Haute Dog Howl’oween Parade“, happening Saturday afternoon, October 31st, in Long Beach’s Marina Park!
This is a daytime costumed dog parade that is, quite simply, a howl.
There will be a vendor fair from 12:30 to 4:00 pm that day. The parade, which lasts about 40 minutes, starts at 2:30 pm. on the concrete bike path. Then, the awards ceremony, immediately after the parade, will start at about 3:30 pm.
Judges, under a white canopy along the red carpet, will be considering participants for awards based on originality, showmanship, detail of costume and first impression.
And they’ll be looking for: best costumes on dogs, best costumes on humans accompanied by a costumed pooch, best groups (“any combo of at least two dogs/people”, according to the website); and best “floats” (which would be any moving, non-motorized device, no wider than 5 feet. A decorated wagon, for example!)
How to enter
Participants may enter their dogs in the parade at $10 per dog, in advance, or $20 per pooch, the weekend of the parade. Human costumed participants may walk in the parade for free, and there is no charge for spectators. You’re invited to bring your own folding chair, to set up in the second row.
However, you may purchase a front-row seat if you like, for $6. Or, if you’re spectating with family and/or friends, a VIP canopy, with six provided seats, is available for $200.
Sponsorships are available as well, and this is a fundraiser for a great cause.
(Royalty-free image by Yama Zsuzsanna Markus, from Pixabay.)
A community of warmth
Last year’s parade raised about $1,000 for 501c3 nonprofit Community Action Team, of which Haute Dogs (pronounced “hot dogs”) is a part. Throughout the year, Community Action Team hosts numerous community events in Long Beach. These include the free “Joy to the World” Christmas concert, Operation Easter Basket, the monthly 30 Minute Beach Cleanup, the Belmont Shore Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest, and many others.
The goal, as stated on Justin’s website: to promote social well-being among the general public.
That phrase barely does justice to the overall giving spirit, sense of fun and celebration of the Long Beach community which characterizes virtually every event CAT sponsors.
More than 350 costumed dogs participated in the 2025 parade, as approximately 1,500 spectators cheered them on from the sidelines. This year, at least 350 dressed-up canine participants are expected.
(Royalty-free image by Fotoshautnah from Pixabay.)
Guidelines, and a good time
If you and your pooch(es?) are participating, you’re asked to sign in at the red-and-white Haute Dogs registration tent when you arrive. The tent will be near the start of the parade route, close to Colorado Street.
Would you like to skip the line and walk near the front of the parade with your pet? VIP (Very Important Pooch!) entries are available, for either $35 as an advance registration, or you can upgrade on-site. You can get your VIP wristband at the registration tent near the start line when you arrive, and VIP donations help CAT raise even more funds for charity.
Most of all, remember to be compassionate and respectful–of humans AND canines.
Contest rules: No Native American costumes, or otherwise culturally-insensitive ones. You’ll see some guidelines on Justin’s page. In addition, no confetti permitted (that makes a mess!), and please, no aggressive dogs.
(Royalty-free image by czaran19 from Pixabay.)
Also, be sure your dog’s costume is comfortable and safe for him or her to wear. Every dog must be leashed, and all vaccinations must be current. If your dog is in heat, please don’t bring them, and all dogs must wear I.D. tags, at all times. No unvaccinated puppies, please, and a pup must be at least four months old to participate.
If your dog is older, flat-faced or has breathing issues, you do not have to walk the entire parade. You may walk them right past the judges and exit the parade route.
And, the final parade rule?
“Have fun.”
That will be an especially easy one to follow.