Surfer samoyeds, pirate poodles, angel Afghans, devil Dalmatians — there’s no telling what Halloween lovers and their four-legged companions you might encounter at the fifth annual Ocean Beach Canine Carnival on Sunday, Oct. 24. The free event, billed as a “Howl-oween” carnival and street fair for dogs, takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Dusty Rhodes Park along the west side of Sunset Cliffs Boulevard at the intersection with Nimitz Boulevard. The event’s highlight is a parade of costumed canines from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., followed by the awarding of prizes around 3 p.m. Multiple costume prizes will be awarded, often in whimsical categories that judges make up on the spot. Past prizes have included impromptu winners like “most OB-like,” “best shoes,” “dog that thinks it’s a cat,” and others. Registration for canine contestants opens at 11 a.m. and closes at 1 p.m. Entry costs are $5 for individual dogs and $8 for multiple dogs or floats. A float is defined as a dog riding on something, like a wagon, surfboard or another dog. All registrants receive a special “doggie bag” of prizes and gifts. The carnival also features a street fair with food, games for dogs and people, and lots of creative shopping for dog lovers. Parking is available at Dusty Rhodes Park and Robb Field. This event is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Ocean Beach, with a big assist from Dog Beach Dog Wash and the Ocean Beach Recreation Center. All dogs are required to be leashed at all times, except in the off-leash fenced area of the park. Other park rules also apply, such as no alcohol and no smoking. For more information, call Melanie Nickel at (619) 225-8705, or e-mail [email protected].