The Spooky Pooch Parade Is One Of Greater Cleveland's Most Adorable Fall Traditions
By Nikki Rhoades|Published September 02, 2019
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
While the wildly fluctuating Northeast Ohio weather may be unpredictable, one thing that is an absolute certainty is that the seasons will change dramatically. Here in Greater Cleveland, our seasons are incredible. Each has its own beauty, but the autumn months bring with them a particular atmosphere of festivity. This festivity is so contagious that even our dogs take notice… especially if you’re not far away from Lakewood, Ohio. As the spooky season approaches, this darling community gears up for the best Halloween dog parade in Ohio… and it’s an annual event you won’t want to miss!
Whether you walk on two legs or four, autumn is the most magical time to adventure throughout Greater Cleveland.
The entire region is transformed by the approach of the spooky season. While the obvious change is in the offerings of coffee shops and seasonally-inspired dishes at local restaurants, there's a particularly notable shift in local attitudes.
As soon as a particular chill creeps into the air, the real question is what costume to wear for the annual Halloween festivities.
Greater Cleveland is an incredible place to celebrate Halloween, or even just the season. Cider, pumpkins, and sweet corn can be found in abundance... but even local pooches long to get in on the festivity.
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And the very best autumnal event? It's doubtlessly Lakewood's Spooky Pooch Parade.
The Spooky Pooch Parade takes the cutest pups in Northeast Ohio on an uber festive march through Lakewood. They'll stroll through the business district on Detroit Avenue, strutting their adorably spooky stuff.
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While the annual event takes place around mid-October, some costumes take weeks of planning...
You can find details about this year's event here. There is an admission fee, so you'll want to keep that in mind before you drop a pretty penny on your pooch's outfit.
There is, of course, an incentive to look incredible. The most impressive parade participants will be recognized in an awesome award ceremony! Best Pooch & Child, Best Pooch & Adult, Best Pooch & Group, Spookiest Pooch and Best in Show are the prize categories, and it's always fun to guess which impressive pups will earn recognition each year.
For over a decade, this awesome event has taken place in Kauffman Park and has featured the most adorable canines in the community.
During the parade, Kauffman Park transforms into a free festival that's perfect for all members of your family. There's fun to be had by kids and canines alike! Bring a bit of cash with you if you plan on attending, as vendors will be selling goodies you and your pups will have a hard time resisting.
Even if you do not want to walk in the parade, this festive event is worth swinging by if you're a dog lover.
You and your four-legged friend will fall in love with this annual autumn event! It has become a cherished tradition over the last few years, and some even begin planning next year's costume as soon as the festivities conclude.
Familiar and famous faces alike will be spotted at this event. While you never know who you'll spot, one thing is for sure... there's an incredible atmosphere at this event that Clevelanders on two legs and four can appreciate.
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...Guess you'll just have to attend to find out what the fun is all about!
Plan to swing by Kauffman Park this fall for an event you'll never forget.
Address: 15450 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood, OH, 44107
This cherished tradition has been taking place for over a decade, and the future is undeniably bright with so many superheroes, movie stars, and all-around all-star pups parading around the region. Will your pup be wearing a costume this year?
If you enjoyed this awesome autumn event, you should keep the fun going with a leaf-peeping road trip. Wondering when peak foliage will arrive in our region? This map should point you in the right direction.
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