(ROSEVILLE, Calif.) -- On Sat. October 17, Roseville’s Fountains shopping center hosted its second annual “‘Howl-O-Ween’ Pawrade.” From 10 to 11:30 AM residents were invited to register their furry friends in a costume contest, cheer on participants, and provide donations for a local food drive. Similar contests have been hosted throughout the Sacramento region, including at Citrus Heights’ Oct. 16 Harvest Festival.
The Fountains “Pawrade” took place in front of the shopping center’s Pet Food Express. Featuring spectators and participants clad in their most creative costume ideas, the event was the second of its kind to be hosted at the Roseville shopping center.
Shannon Smith, Marketing Account Manager for Fountains, highlighted the event as an opportunity for frequenters of the outdoor mall, dogs and owners alike, to come together in celebration of the spooky season. Smith shared how the idea for the event was shaped by her previous employment at the pet advocacy nonprofit, Prince and Pals, where she helped host similar “pet walks.”
This year, the community turnout was outstanding. While registration was free for the event, limited time restricted the number of participants to between 35 and 40 dogs. Smith noted the dramatic increase in bystander attendance since last year’s “Howl-O-Ween.”
“I would say this year our spectators doubled,” Smith said. “People came out to cheer, it’s a lot of fun [...], people go all out.”
Photo Credit: Fountains Roseville / Participants at the 2026 “Howl-O-Ween”
The winners of the contest were decided by judges who represented the business partners of the event. This year's panel consisted of a Pet Food express manager, a representative from Infuzed Marketing, and incorporated other community members.
“Usually the favorites are similar across the board as far as who is a standout,” Smith shared. “We choose the top three [candidates] and an honorable mention, and they all receive a Fountains gift card.”
The contest winners received coupons, special offers, as well as a gift card to Posh Paws Grooming. Smith highlighted that each participant in the event, regardless of winning, was given a “swag bag” filled with pet-friendly goodies.
This year, a trio of black laboradors took the ultimate prize. The pups, Ari, Koda, and Addi dressed as Alice and Wonderland alongside their owners Charles and Angela.
Photo Credit: Fountains Roseville / Ari, Koda, and Addi walking the "Pawrade" runway
OpGov.News asked Smith about the highlights of this year’s “Howl-O-Ween” parade.
“It’s just the energy,” Smith said. “The positive feeling around the whole event is exciting.”
This year’s parade was complete with a DJ who strengthened the celebratory atmosphere by also MC-ing the event. Smith illuminated the event as grounds for community strengthening.
“Everyone is so appreciative to be a part of it,” Smith said.
Participants and spectators were also encouraged to take part in a community food drive. Smith noted the food drive as an effort to give back during the fall season and that many attendees chose to take part.
Nearby, Citrus Heights hosted their own dog costume contest on Fri., October 16 at 6:45 PM. The city’s “Harvest Festival” took place at Sunrise Marketplace and in addition to offering an opportunity for local pets to show off their Halloween spirit, the event provided a free screening of Hotel Transylvania, pumpkin decorating, face painting, and trunk-or-treating.
Lisa Cordell, Marketing and Special events director for Sunrise Marketplace, described the parade as a small yet fun community activity. Six pups participated in this year’s contest, making it one of the festival’s tinier attractions.
“The Sunrise MarketPlace marketing team judged this informal contest,” Cordell shared. “Each winner received a trophy and a gift basket valued at $250, generously donated by Ben’s BarketPlace.”
The contest featured two contest categories, best overall dog costume and best dog and owner duo. The winner of this year’s best dog costume division was Ghetto, owned by local resident, Anne. The title of best dog and owner combo went to the winners of Roseville’s own costume contest. Ari, Koda, and Addi once again “out-spirited” the rest.
Photo Credit: Sunrise Marketplace / Two festive pups showing off their spirit at the festival
Photo Credit: Sunrise Marketplace / Winners of the Citrus Heights best dog and owner costume division
To add to or correct any information in this report, please contact me at piper.a@lead4earth.org.
0
0
Comments