The weather was nice at Vacaville’s Andrews Park on Saturday, making for a “Howl-in” good time with the community.
As Baha Men’s “Who Let the Dogs Out?” played over the stereo speakers, dozens of dogs and their owners came dressed up as their favorite characters for the 10th annual “Howl-A-Ween” event, proving the occasion was no one-hit wonder.
Dogs of all shapes and sizes came dressed as pumpkins, chickens, bumble bees, Oompa Loompas, Snow White and much more at the Vacaville event.
After a dog parade, judges had to decide on awards for most creative (dog-only), funniest fur call (dog-only) and best pack (human/dog combo). Each contestant had one minute to put their best “paw” forward.
The most creative dog went to a dog named “Harley” who had wings placed on him. The funniest fur call went to bisquit, which paired up with a chicken and urged people not to eat meat. Finally the dynamic duo went to a dog named Ellie, who went dressed up as “Dogpool” to pair up with its owner Marco Guzman, who was one of the most popular people at the event dressed up as “Deadpool.”
“We usually dress up the whole family with a theme, but the girls are getting a little older, so we decided this year to celebrate and dress up our dog,” Marco Guzman said. “We appreciate all the people that liked our costumes. It was nice to participate in something social with the rest of the community.”
Rochelle Navarro didn’t participate in the contest, but did bring her dog, “Tiny” dressed up as a chicken.
“I love the interaction with everyone here and it’s so friendly. Everyone is so happy,” Navarro said. “All year I call my dog, ‘my little chicken dog’ so why not dress her up in a chicken costume? I have loved seeing all the dog and pet owner costumes today. It’s hard to just pick one favorite. The deadpool one was pretty cool, but they were all unique in their own way. And “Tiny” has handled this well. I thought there might be some anxiety on her part, but she’s handled it fine.”
Like their dog, 10-month-old Lulu, Andrea Vera and Pablo Vera dressed up as Snow White characters.
“I saw an ad on Facebook and thought, ‘This is so cool, let’s do it,’” Andrea said. “I planned this all, I was the mastermind. But I was happy for the bonding we had with other pet parents. It was opportunity to get to know them and see what other family-friendly events they are involved in.”
Michaela Johnson lives in Benicia, but came back to her hometown of Vacaville to visit her mom and participate in the event with her dog, 2-year-old Winston, who attracted all kinds of kids asking to pet the bulldog.
“Winston is quite the social butterfly,” Johnson said, with a laugh.
Katie Welsh was there with her service dog for the 10th straight year.
“I’ve been coming here since 2015,” Welsh said. “I love it. It’s a great community event, it brings people together and it finds everyone’s creative side. Also, who let the dogs out?”
Helping put the event together to let the dogs out was Kristin Milliken, the Recreation Coordinator for the Vacaville Parks and Recreation Department.
“I find it amazing the number of people that come out to participate and the creativity all the people show,” Milliken said. “And I don’t just love all the dogs and their humans that come out, but all the vendors and event specialists. This is the fifth year I’ve been in charge of this and I love all the relationships we’re building and the experiences we’re giving to families in a safe environment.”
Melody Land, the Vacaville Parks and Recreation, Recreation Manager, said the event has gotten bigger every single year, but a lot depends on the weather.
“The great weather gives us a really good turnout,” Land said.
Orlando Jimenez was another person happy for the work from the event’s organizers.
“I thought this would be a good thing to do before the holidays hit,” Jimenez said, who’s had his bulldog Ryna since May. “I know she likes other dogs so she was having a really fun time today.”
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