—COMING THIS OCTOBER—
Howlin’ Hounds: Doggie Costume Contest
The SCPRA is being joined by Boys & Girls Club of Chambersburg and Shippensburg for a fall event held at Memorial Park in Shippensburg from 11:00am to 1:00pm on October 18th.FEATURING THE Spooky Paws Parade at 12:00pm
You and your dog(s) can be a part of this inaugural event — with different costume categories and prizes awarded by judges. Registration is now open, so sign-up to be apart of the fun.CATEGORIES
Spookiest = Scary, thriller, or frightening
Look-A-Like = Come dressed in conjunction with your dog's costume (as a duo or group), or match, or do they look like someone
Creative = Handmade, Fabulous and Fun, Arts & Crafts, Unique
Sporty = Athletic, Diva, Outdoor & Fitness
Character = Celebrity or Famous, Movie Theme, Identifiable
(give details on each in the description area of form)
Open to all ages! Registration (for each dog) is required. $10/dog
Please make sure you read list of rules and sign attached forms!
REGISTER ONLINE!
https://shipparkrec.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=102
Details:
Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Location: Shippensburg Memorial Park
Time: 11:00am-1:00pm (12:00pm parade start)
Information: Dress your dog up, and even come dressed up yourself! The event will take place on the same day as the Shippensburg Halloween Parade (but is completely independent) -- offering food trucks, vendors, and fun for all. Pick a category that most aligns with your dog’s costume, and we'll award a winner from each based on judges’ selection. Plus, take a loop-walk and let us introduce you and your dog during the Spooky Paws Parade portion of the event. Open to all ages, but registration is required.
Categories are: Spookiest, Look-A-Like, Creative, Sporty, Character (pick one).
*costumes must be safe and comfortable for dogs
**costumes will be judged on showmanship, impression, cute factor, originality, most memorable, creativity, tastefulness, humor, design & color, imagination, and presentation.
EVENT RULES:
1. Only dogs are allowed in the contest. Please do not bring other animals
2. Dogs must be on a leash at all times (a maximum of 6ft. lock retractable distance)
3. Dogs must be kept under control at all times, owners and handlers are responsible for the actions of their pets
4. Dogs should wear their I.D. tags at all times
5. Dogs should be at least six (6) months old
6. Dogs should not be in heat
7. Dogs should be up-to-date on all shots, including rabies vaccination
8. Dogs should be clean and in good health
9. Dogs must be sociable with other pets, adults, and children
10. Dogs must be well adjusted to crowds and noisy environments
11. Dogs should not be aggressive, or shows signs of possessive with food, toys, or owner. Aggressive dogs may be asked to leave the event area and staff has the right to refuse participation of those showing this behavior
12. Dogs stress levels should be monitored for their own safety
13. You and your dog(s) must maintain safe distances from other dogs and humans; and only approach and encounter others when permissible (please ask to touch another dog)
14. Costumes must be safe and comfortable for dogs
15. Child handlers under 12 years old, must be accompanied by an adult when controlling a dog on a leash; and during the Spooky Paws Parade portion (an adult walker should participate with the child)
16. You must clean-up after your dog and dispose of waste. Please come prepared
17. All entrants must be registered, signed up, and have checked in. Please have your tag and group number visible
18. All entrants will line-up by category, in the assigned area and order laid out
19. Event staff and officials have the right to refuse any costume they deem is not an appropriate topic, is distasteful, or not acceptable for an all-age audience
20. If event staff feels there is a threat or any danger caused by a dog or its owner, particularly if a negative incident arises they may ask the party to leave
21. The SCPRA, its partners and affiliates, and its volunteers may not be held accountable or liable for the actions of any dogs that results in harm toothed animals or humans
22. No entrant is eligible for more than one prize or award
23. The judge's decisions are final
24. Entrants agree to be photographed for promotional purposes, which may include photos displayed online, future flyers, or social media.