Dogs From Belleville, Nutley Earn Prizes At Halloween Costume Contests

BELLEVILLE-NUTLEY, NJ — Five adorable doggos from Belleville and Nutley captured prizes at a 2023 Strutt Your Mutt Halloween contest in Essex County.

Essex County held its annual series of free canine Halloween costume parades and contests at three of its parks for 2024: Branch Brook, Brookdale and Grover Cleveland.

Nutley residents the Rahmanova family and their pet, Jimmy – who was dressed up as a pirate – won second place in the Cutest Costume category at Grover Cleveland Park (see photo below).

Belleville residents Nicolette Shej, Danielle Nelson, Patrick Nelson, Brooke Nelson and Meti Shej and their pets, Luigi and Snoppie – who were dressed up as characters from The Polar Express– won first place in the Most Creative Costume category at Brookdale Park (see photo in gallery above).

Belleville residents Alexis and Ariana Perozo and Tomas Querales and their pets, Athena and Apollo – who were dressed up as characters from the Addams Family – won second place in the Best Group Costume category at Branch Brook (see photo below).

Belleville resident SarahAnn James and her pet, Godiva – who were dressed up as mermaids – won third place in the Most Creative Costume category at Branch Brook (see photo below).

Belleville resident Jackie Apicella and her pet, Giget – who were dressed up as Candy Girls – won second place in the Most Creative Costume category at Brookdale Park (see photo below).

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