Hintonburg Halloween Dog Parade raises money for autism awareness

Hintonburg Park was packed full of costumed dogs and their owners on Saturday to participate in the first annual Halloween Dog Parade, organized by Ottawa's Work and Volunteer Experience For Adults with Autism (WAVE). Participants who entered their costumed canines into the event paid a $10 entry fee and all proceeds went to WAVE. 

The day featured dog yoga, vendors, a silent auction and a “dog parade.”

The dog parade kicked off with owners walking their dogs down one of the park paths in single file while their furry friends strutted their stuff for a panel of three judges.

“All of the dog costumes look amazing,” said Patricia Boal, a CTV Ottawa reporter who was one of the featured judges. “Much more costume participation amongst the dogs than the people, but I do see a few people dressed up as well, so I’m impressed with that.”

There was a large variety of dog costumes at the event – some dogs were outfitted in food-themed costumes, including a hot dog and a taco shell, while others ranged from a prisoner’s outfit to angel wings.

The judges evaluated dogs based on costume creativity and originality from five categories – puppies, small dogs, medium dogs, large dogs and “best in show,” according to Alanna Riordan, WAVE coordinator.

“It’s really this community coming together to put this on,” she said. Inspiration for the event came from a similar dog parade event in New York City. 

“The Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade,” which has been an annual parade for 28 years, according to the event website. In that event, contestants compete with their dogs for thousands of dollars worth of prizes. A family with an autistic son, who are involved with WAVE, moved from New York City to Ottawa a few years ago and suggested the idea, Riordan said.

“Their son Kevin is with us at WAVE… [they] saw how much joy that dog parade brought to their son in New York,” she said. “They decided that they wanted to do a fundraiser, and they wanted it to be this dog parade.”

Riordan also said many of WAVE’s clients – adults with autism – helped out with the event, “working their butts off” to make dog treats which were sold at the parade. Several post-secondary students also volunteered to help run the event, she said.

“It is planned to be an annual event,” she said. “I think that everyone has gotten so excited about it, that it is going to last for longer than our program lasts. Everybody’s loving it.”