OCEAN CITY — All of the ingredients were present for a perfect fall dog-day afternoon Saturday in America’s Greatest Family Resort, where hundreds participated in the second annual Howl-O-Ween Parade and Dog Day.
Leashed dogs were permitted on the boardwalk from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 22, when canine-specific vendors were selling their wares at the Ocean City Music Pier alongside photo-op stations and a booth by the Humane Society of Ocean City, which named its Pet of the Year.
A lively group of island fans was horsing around big time with its “Off to the Races” theme, complete with thoroughbred onesies for the humans and racing harnesses with jockeys for their four-legged friends, brother and sister Agrippa (#5) and Aurora (#8).
Jane Ward, a 1985 graduate of Ocean City High School, was drawn away to Easton, Md., by husband Mike, but they bring their family back to her hometown often to visit their home away from home. They were joined by daughter Abigail Ward and son Alec Ward.
They said they brought their dogs to the inaugural event last year and were compelled to take part in the parade this year.
“We were like, ‘we’ve gotta do this next year,’” Jane said.
Speaking as a family unit, they continued the conversation in turns.
They like to “make people laugh, laughing ourselves,” Abigail said.
“It’s just having a great time,” Jane added.
“Spreading positivity as we go along,” Alec continued.
“If we’re going to do it, we’re going to go big,” Mike said.
Mother Nature took a pause from her headlong rush to winter, providing the perfect setting in low- to mid-60s with abundant sunshine and a gentle breeze.
Sue Schliminger of Cherry Hill brought Gemma dressed as Minnie Mouse as part of a group from the South Jersey Bernese Mountain Dog Club. Gemma’s doggie date was coming as Mickey.
Schliminger said the club has about 30 members who go to outings often, including last year’s inaugural Howl-O-Ween.
“I like that she gets dressed up. I like that we get to go on the boardwalk; normally you’re not allowed,” she said. “Any place that I can take her that we’re allowed to go that is dog-friendly I go.”
Schliminger said the weather was beautiful.
“It would be a little nicer if it were cooler for the dogs but is perfect for me,” she said.
Dressed as the Flintstones, Matt and Mary Glogau of Egg Harbor Township brought Scoot, a dachshund mix, to his second parade.
“We like a family theme,” Mary said.
The couple adopted Scoot at about a year old.
“He has a spinal condition that affects the nerves in his back legs,” Matt said. “He’s happy. He loves his cart and gets around great.”
“He’s a little too fast sometimes,” Mary added.
Matt said he likes seeing all of the dogs in costumes.
“All the dogs interacting is awesome, everybody is so creative,” Mary said. “It’s just a good day.”
A group decked out as Pokemon characters included Ocean City residents Mike Deckard, Joe Champion, Molly Champion, Katie Champion and others with Goober, Hurley, Trixie and Zuzu.
Joe Champion said it was their first time in the parade but second time at the event.
Lisa and Adam Craft of Yardley, Pa. — outfitted as Velma and Shaggy from “Scooby-Do” — brought daughter Cora, 7, dressed as Daphne, and Tabby as the title dog.
Craft said they have family in the area and came to town specifically for the parade.
Suzanna Molino Singleton, cousin Maria Hoffmann and sister Paula Molino Wolff of Yardley, Pa., had an elaborate setup as a circus train, complete with a caged “lion.”
They were back for their second year.
“I thought it was the greatest sense of community that for the first year it got so many dogs and people, such creativity was beyond my comprehension,” Molino Singleton said.
Mary Pizza and her daughter Lauren Pizza, 28, were visiting from Brigantine with Jack Dobbs and Bowie and Mac outfitted as lions, while nearby Frenchy Ollie and pug Sully were in town from Media, Pa., dressed as Batman and Robin.
Gail Egan of Ocean City was decked out as a scarecrow with Jester as a lion. Asked to identify his breed, her husband quipped “he’s part lion.”
Another island family went with a Welcome to the Jungle theme. Heather Collins was dressed as a cheetah with her little monkey Leo, almost 3, while David Evangelista, “from Africa,” was a giraffe and Kerry Alejandrino an explorer. Their float was sponsored by Animal House pet store, which provided all of the dog costumes.
“We came last year and weren’t in costume and decided that we’ve got to be part of this,” Collins said.
By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff