Allison and her protégée Fernando.
Cuddly creatures abound for Halloween
fun at Tompkins Square parade
BY BOB KRASNER
The 31st annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog
Parade took place on Oct. 23 at the East River
Park Amphitheater, to the delight of many and
the consternation of others — specifi cally the activists
who are trying to prevent imminent destruction of a
beautiful, much loved and well used public space.
Thousands of spectators watched as the protesters
marched across the stage, interrupting the parade of over
250 furry contestants to call attention to the East River
Action group, with a large banner and smaller signs that
proclaimed “Dogs against ecocide” and “Carlina you’re
killing our park” — a slam at City Council Member
Carlina Rivera.
More than one concerned park lover criticized the
parade spectators, pointing out that huge numbers of
people showed up for this event but haven’t participated
in the protests that are aimed at preserving greenspace
near the East River.
Despite the interruptions, the event continued
smoothly thereafter, with a procession of pets competing
for prizes in various categories, such as Current
Events, New York City, Entertainment and the ‘Punniest’
costumes.
PHOTOS BY BOB KRASNER
Store bought outfi ts were ineligible and the creative
community did not disappoint with their takes on
Malefi cent, The Wizard of Oz, Super Heroes, Super
Villains, politicians, the Cat in the Hat, Best Chihuahua,
Essential Workers and a variety of trans-species
getups.
Stephanie Simon of NY1 looked like she was having
a blast as MC during the 2 1/2 hour presentation of
contestants and through the award presentation.
Ruben Santana took the prize for Best in Show with
his pup Amun, in a fl oat that thanked essential workers.
Abby Bean was close behind with her companion,
named 89, portraying ‘Bark Obama” in a tableau created
by ‘Kehinde Woofy’ for a win in the Current Events category.
Materials noted were “fur, fabric, plastic fl owers”.
Ada Nieves, one of the organizers, has seven dogs
herself. “This was wonderful,” she told us when it was
all over (except, of course, for the barking).
Continuing, she said, “What I love most is to see the
ideas, the creations,” while adding that “the pets helped
us get through the pandemic – the dogs rescued the city.”
The annual Dog Parade benefi ts the Tompkins Square
Park Dog Run, an independently fi nanced dog park.
Info on donating your time or money can be found at
tompkinssquaredogrun.com.
SScchhnneeppss Meeddiiaa OOccttoobbeerr 2288,, 22002211 1177
/tompkinssquaredogrun.com
