Del Mar's costumed canines will take over Powerhouse Park on Saturday, Oct. 31, when the Del Mar Foundation hosts its annual Halloween Dog Parade and Costume Competition.
The free event opens check-in at 9:30 a.m., with the parade stepping off at 10 a.m. Judges will award ribbons immediately afterward in 10 categories: Most Glamorous, Scariest, Cutest, Funniest, Spookiest, Best Homemade and Most Embarrassed (dog).
Three more categories reward teamwork and family spirit: Best Duo for a dog and child, Best Duo for a dog and adult, and Best Family Group.
Owners who want to enter the costume contest receive a number at the check-in table on parade day. Pre-registration is also available through the Del Mar Foundation's event page, but walking up that morning works, too.
The foundation, led by President Thomas Neuman, is Del Mar's oldest nonprofit. It has staged the parade at Powerhouse Park for more than a decade. A 2014 San Diego Union-Tribune article already described the event as an annual tradition.
One rule to remember: Powerhouse Park is not a leash-free park. All dogs must stay leashed.
The parade is one of two Halloween events the foundation is hosting in October. The Young Del Mar Committee holds a separate Halloween Seaside Spooktacular on Sunday, Oct. 25, from 2 to 4 p.m. at L'Auberge Del Mar, with check-in at the Jim Watkins Amphitheater. No registration is required for that event, either.
Upcoming community events
- Sunday, Oct. 25: Young Del Mar Halloween Seaside Spooktacular, 2–4 p.m., L'Auberge Del Mar (Jim Watkins Amphitheater check-in)
- Saturday, Oct. 31: Del Mar Foundation Halloween Dog Parade & Costume Competition, check-in 9:30 a.m., parade 10 a.m., Powerhouse Park
For more information, contact the Del Mar Foundation at (858) 635-1363 or [email protected].
