It’s almost Halloween, but why should the people have all the fun?
On Sunday, Oct. 28, the second annual Ocean Beach Canine Carnival, a free party for dog lovers and their best friends, will get into full swing. The event is presented by the Kiwanis Club of Ocean Beach with help from the Dog Beach Dog Wash.
Additional help is supplied by the Ocean Beach Recreation Council and Ocean Beach Elementary School. The party includes a street fair and food and games for people and dogs, including an always-popular tail-wagging contest.
A central part of the event, as last year, is the costume contest and costume parade. Last year, the Canine Carnival saw dogs dressed like pumpkins, ballerinas, vampires, superheroes and even cats.
There are also prizes for such things as “Best Float” and “Most OB-Like.” Often, awards are made up on the spot.
Last year’s awards included offbeat categories such as “Best Crustacean” and “Dog Better Dressed Than Owner.”
The event takes place on Newport Avenue between Sunset Cliffs Boulevard and Ebers Street, adjacent to Ocean Beach Elementary School.
The street fair runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dog registration is available from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., followed by a parade of all registered dogs at 2 p.m.. Prizes will be announced around 3 p.m.
The event itself is free, but there is a $5 charge for dogs to register for the costume contest. The cost is $8 for groups and floats ” essentially a dog riding on anything, including wagons, skateboards or even another dog.
All registrants will receive a free “doggie bag” of goodies and prizes. Owners should be aware that city law requires dogs to be leashed at all times.
For more information, call (619) 225-8705. Fliers are also available at Dog Beach Dog Wash, libraries and recreation centers.