Halloween 2021: Dog Costume Contest, Parade At Branch Brook Park

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Got a mutt with strut? A doggie costume contest is coming to Brookdale Park in time for Halloween 2021.

The county’s “Strut Your Mutt” parade will come to the dog park at Branch Brook Park in Newark and Belleville, on Sunday, Oct. 24. Registration takes place at 10:30 a.m., with the parade kicking off at 11 a.m.

Participation is free. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third places in a variety of categories. For more information, call 973-268-3500.

The event at Branch Brook Park is one of three scheduled by the county this October:

• Saturday, Oct. 23 – Brookdale Park, Grove Street in Montclair (near the dog park), registration at 9 a.m., parade at 9:30 a.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 23 - Grover Cleveland Park (Caldwell/Essex Fells), Brookside Avenue and Runnymede Road (near the pond house), registration at 1 p.m., parade at 1:30 p.m.
• Sunday, Oct. 24 – Branch Brook Park (dog park), West Drive near Heller Parkway in Newark, registration at 10:30 a.m. and parade at 11 a.m.

Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. said that the county’s dog parks have become popular places for dog owners to bring their faithful companions.

“In turn, the canine costume parades are growing into a favorite Halloween celebration for everyone to enjoy,” DiVincenzo said. “Whether you own a dog or not, we invite you to come see creative costumes worn by dogs of all breeds.”

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