Two local animal shelters are hosting Halloween-themed events on Saturday, Oct. 20, and they are timed where animal lovers don't have to choose between the two, but can attend both.
Saturday's fun begins with Paws in the Park at Ross's Landing to benefit the Humane Educational Society. Registration for this 16th annual dog walk begins at 10 a.m. before the walk steps off at 11 o'clock.
Pets and their owners may want to arrive dressed for the costume contest after the walk. Prizes will be handed out for best dog and kid costume, best dog costume, and the best adult and dog costume. There is no charge to participate in the costume contest.
Guests can also enjoy animal demos, vendors, food trucks and, of course, there will be dogs on-site for adoption.
Don't have a dog? No problem - rent a shelter pet for the day, and you'll both have fun getting outside and spending the afternoon together.
Registration for Paws in the Park is $40 for two adults, two dogs and any number of children under age 18; $25 for one adult and one dog; $15 one walker with no pet; $45 to rent a shelter dog for the day.
» The fourth Meowlloween and Barktoberfest will be held at McKamey Animal Center, 4500 Access Road, Saturday afternoon and night. It's fun for the whole family plus Fido.
This event actually begins at 11 a.m. with an adoption festival, but activities really get into full swing at 4 p.m. when costume contests for pets and their owners are held. There is a $5 entry fee for either dogs or humans. Registration for both costume contests begins at 3 p.m.
Trick-or-treating will take place from 5 to 9 p.m., free with a toy or food donation to McKamey.
New this year is a free Football Fun Lounge featuring college games on TV, yard games and s'mores between 5 and 10 p.m.
Terminal Brewhouse will sponsor a beer garden with a German menu catered by Lee Towery. Tickets are $25 in advance, $35 at the door. A wristband, included in the ticket, is required for ages 21 and older for admittance to the beer garden.
To purchase a dinner ticket: www.mckameyanimalcenter.org/barktober-fest-october-20th.