Pets Take Center Stage on Halloween

Pets nationwide took center stage this Halloween as owners turned out in creative, often DIY costumes — from a chocolate lab dressed as a s’more to a dog in a Costco rotisserie-chicken outfit — and hundreds of entrants joined New York’s Tompkins Square and Washington Square Park parades. Community events ranged from Fargo’s HOWL-o-ween Trunk or Treat with pet costume contests and special treats to the 35th annual Tompkins Square Dog Parade, which organizers likened to a Met Gala for dogs. Coverage highlighted the pageantry alongside pet-care reminders emphasizing costume comfort and safety. Halloween programming also included adult-oriented cultural nights such as the Legion of Honor’s art-inspired costume party judged by museum curators and regional events tied to Salem’s spooky season. Not all headlines were celebratory: a stolen vehicle was found burning in Goodlettsville, a reminder of other local news during the holiday period.