OCEAN CITY — Entries in the annual Howl-O-Ween Parade range from simple to elaborate, requiring a certain level of creativity and artistry.
This year one couple, inspired by a recent operation, took it to another level with their entry.
On a beautiful 60-degree day with cloud-washed skies and a stiff breeze, Tamara Scheuermann and Jawaid Ali brought Jackson, their chihuahua-Jack Russell mix, to America’s Greatest Family Resort to participate.
Jackson recently had a tumor removed that resulted in the loss of an ear, so the couple naturally thought of artist Vincent Van Gogh. They dressed Jackson up in as an artist — black and white striped shirt and a palette in paw — and themselves as puppy-inspired versions of Starry Night and Sunflowers, complete with cardboard frames around their necks.
Last year the couple just showed up to watch, and they liked it so much that they returned to participate.
They said they came back for “the camaraderie of everybody, the community down here is like so friendly.”
“It’s hard not to participate in everything they do here,” Scheuermann said.
Matilde Murray of Egg Harbor City and Vincenzo were decked out as a ring master and lion.
Murray said she takes part in the parade every year.
“We love it,” she said. “It’s a family event; that’s the most important thing.”
Jeff and Linda Dienno along with Harry, their golden retriever, were dressed as a witch and wizards. Besty Marple was a terrific wicked witch, carting Maudie around in a wagon.
Fran Mack of Northfield and bulldog Jose went all out with their Ruff Seas float, a fishing boat complete with a T top and engines.
“My bulldog is nine and a half, so he’s too old to walk so I had to build it on wheels,” Mack said, noting they participate in a lot of events together to help raise money for charity. “People just love it, so he’s a good sport. He hangs in there pretty good.”
Dave Russell of Valley Forge, Pa., and Wally were dressed up like dinosaurs.
His parents own a home on the island and he is a frequent visitor, but it was his first time in the parade.
Christine Wolfman and Lucky of Toms River were busy as bees in their costumes, handmade by her mother. It was their third time taking part.
“We like to come and see all the dogs on the boardwalk. We like to dress up, make it a family thing,” she said, noting they have a trailer in Seaville where they stay locally.
Josh and Deanna of Swedesboro brought Tucker, the crew dressed as Winnie the Pooh and Tigger, times two.
“We come here every year for the parade. It’s fun, seeing all the costumes,” Josh said.
“We like dressing up and doing a theme every year,” Deanna added.
In addition to the parade, the two-day Dog Days on the Boardwalk included hours for walking leashed dogs on the boardwalk, dog-specific vendors along the boardwalk, photo-op stations and the Humane Society of Ocean City’s announcement of Ocean City’s Pet of the Year.
This year’s grand marshals include former Philadelphia Phillies player Milt Thompson and FOX 29 news anchor Dawn Timmeney.
Thompson played a key role in the Phillies’ unexpected, last-to-first 1993 National League Championship team, which advanced to the World Series. In 2004, he returned to the Phillies as a coach, later serving as hitting coach during the team’s 2008 World Series victory.
Timmeney, an Emmy-winning journalist, joined FOX 29 in 2013 as a general assignment reporter. Prior to that, she spent 12 years at NBC-10 in Philadelphia. A passionate animal advocate, she also co-produced and hosted “Dawn’s Pet Project,” a weekly show focused on animal welfare and education.
– STORY and PHOTOS by CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff
