KEARNY, NJ – On Saturday, October 30, 2021, the Town of Kearny Urban Enterprise Zone (KUEZ) held the Annual Kearny Dog Halloween Pawrade and Festival at Arlington Depot Park in Kearny. Mayor Alberto G. Santos joined Council Members Marytrine De Castro, Eileen Eckel, Susan McCurrie and Gerald Ficeto along with residents to kick-off Halloween festivities in the community.
There were plenty of activities at the festival for all in attendance, starting with a visit from WCBS2 weather reporter John Elliott who broadcasted live the morning of the PAWrade and interviewed many Kearny residents and PAWrade participants.
The event itself was highlighted by the popular Halloween Costume Contest for dogs (and owners) and the Dog Pawrade, which was the highlight of the day. A total number of 39 dogs participated in the costume contest. Prizes were awarded in two divisions (dogs over and under 40 pounds). The judges for this year’s contest included Councilwoman Marytrine De Castro, Anthony DeLuca of Kearny Bank, and Kevin Canessa, of The Observer. The results from the costume contest are listed below.
Dog PAWrade Costume Contest Results
Participating Entries, Under 40 lbs. – 23 Dogs (14 from Kearny and 9 from out-of-town)
Winner: Lunchbox, a Jack Russell, dressed as a Fortune Teller (owner is Vanessa Montesano from Clifton)
2nd Place: Chapo, a French Bulldog, dressed as Baby Yoda with his family as favorite Star Wars characters (owner is Julia Torres from Kearny)
Participating Entries, Over 40 lbs. – 16 Dogs (12 from Kearny and 4 from out-of-town)
Winner: Rocky, a Black Labrador, dressed as Flounder from Little Mermaid (owners are Melissa and Andy Cohen from Kearny)
2nd Place: Koi, a Husky Mix, dressed as a Dinosaur (owner is Alfred Rodriguez from Kearny)
This year, the Kearny Dog Halloween Pawrade and Festival was sponsored by the Kearny Urban Enterprise Zone, K-9 Corner and Bone Appetit Barkery and Spa, The Kearny Dog Walker and Shop-Rite of Kearny.
The next Kearny Doggie Halloween PAWrade and Festival is scheduled to be held on Saturday, October 29, 2022. For additional information call 201-955-7981 or email Pawrade@kearnynj.org.
(Photos by Barbara Goldberg)
