KEARNY, NJ – On Saturday, October 26, 2019, 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, Albino Cardoso, 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 which included the Halloween Costume Contest for dogs (and owners) and the Dog Pawrade, which was the highlight of the day. Registration in the costume contest was free to festival attendees and local residents and required proof of current dog license and up-to-date rabies vaccine documentation.
Kearny residents participated in the contest along with participants and attendees from out-of-town, including Bloomfield, Elizabeth, Harrison, Jersey City, Lincoln Park, North Arlington, Nutley and Keasbey. A total number of 30 dogs participated in the costume contest with 10 registered from neighboring communities. Prizes were awarded in two divisions (dogs over and under 40 pounds). The judges for this year’s contest included Mayoral Aide Lyla De Castro Lawdanski, Councilman Gerald Ficeto and Lisa Feorenzo, Co-owner of The Observer. The results from the costume contest are listed below.
Dog PAWrade Costume Contest Results
Participating Entries, Under 40 lbs. – 22 Dogs (16 from Kearny and 6 from out-of-town)
Winner: Leo, a Pomeranian dressed as Pumpkin and Farmer (owner is Oksana Savytska from Kearny)
2nd Place: Minnie, a Yorkie dressed as a Postal Worker (owners are John & Veronica Valli from North Arlington)
Participating Entries, Over 40 lbs. – 8 Dogs (5 from Kearny and 3 from out-of-town)
Winner: Fynn, a Labrador dressed as a Llama (owner is Lauren Martini from Nutley)
2nd Place: Rocky, a Black Labrador dressed as Dino Flintstone (owner is Andy Cohen 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 Spa and Dog Barkery. Mayor Santos and the Town Council extend sincere thanks to all participants, spectators and community organizations for making the festival a great success.
Kearny Urban Enterprise Zone
Clifford the Big Red Dog – Kearny Library
Kearny Fire Department
Kearny Trap Neuter Release
Kearny Community Cats
Bergen County Animal Shelter Mobile Adoption Unit
Bone Appetit Barkery and Spa
K-9 Corner Doggie Tattoos
Pitti Kissing Booth – Forgotten Tails
Kearny Girl Scouts
Best Pet Trick Contest – Kearny Dog Park Visit the Kearny Dog Walker’s “Bone Yard”
Shop Rite Raffle
Doggie Dress-Up Booth – Just for Pupz
Doggie Gifts & Goodies – Midtown Pharmacy
Kearny Bank Doggie Paw Print Collage
West Hudson Arts & Theater Company Face Painting
Arlington Dog & Cat Hospital
Doggie Massages – Holsman Physical Therapy
The next Kearny Doggie Halloween Pawrade and Festival is scheduled to be held on Saturday, October 24, 2020. For additional information call 201-955-7981 or email Pawrade@kearnynj.org.
(Photos by Barbara Goldberg)
