We welcome another local company as a sideline sponsor for Bella Starlet Dog and Friends's Howl-o-ween Float.  They will hand out samples to our guests that night alongside our float.

 

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This spooky duo wear boo-tiful hoodies - complete with horns - that their be-witching owner purchased at Trixie & Peanut Pet Emporium in Manhattan.

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This year's Halloween is already shaping up to be something spook-tacular, thanks to a never-ending lineup of photo ops, parades, and costume contests for our furry friends.

The third Annual Chilloween Party, held in Manhattan last week, attracted 63 dolled-up Chihuahuas, whose pint-sized creative costumes ranged from a four-legged milk carton to a peacock, Elvis, witches and goblins.

"This year it was the Wizard of Oz theme for us," said Ada Nieves, whose four Chihuahuas dressed as the Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, Scarecrow and Dorothy. The costumes were hand-stitched by Nieves, who also makes pet-friendly Halloween treats, available at www.adanieves.com.

While bat wings continue to be the year's best seller, classics such as Little Piggy, Super Dog and Devil Dog were popular, said Sue Bing of Trixie & Peanut Pet Emporium, on E. 23rd St. in Manhattan. See more on the shop's Web site:  www.trixieandpeanut.com.

Wigs are the hot new canine accessory this year - from green spiky doos to blue bobs that will transform Fido into Britney, Pamela Anderson or even Donald Trump look-a-likes.

Keep in mind: Dressing a dog in drag can be a howl, but animal experts warn not every pet is game for the charade.

The ASPCA also advises to keep pets away from chocolate and alcohol, which can be fatal in dogs, along with those holiday hazards: electric cords, aluminum foil and discarded candy wrappers.

Here's a roundup of some of the events:

• The Mayor's Alliance/Maddie's Spooktacular Pet Adoption Festival in Union Square will feature hundreds of adoptable animals tomorrow, from noon to 5 p.m. See their Web site:  www.animalalliancenyc.org.

• Also on tap tomorrow, prizes go to the dogs whose costumes best evoke Times Square's past or present at the Times Square Dog Days Masquerade from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at 44th St. and Broadway. For info go to  www.timessquarenyc.org/about_us/dogs.html.

• Beginning today, the Wildlife Conservation Society will host Boo at the Zoo at the Bronx, Queens, Central Park and Prospect Park Zoos, and Ascarium at the New York Aquarium. Check out  www.wcs.org  for a schedule of events.

• On Thursday, help raise money for Bobbi and the Strays at its Annual Halloween Masquerade Ball for humans only at Russo's on the Bay, 162-45 Crossbay Blvd., Howard Beach, Queens, at 7 p.m. For information, visit their Web site:  www.petfinder.com/shelters/bobbicares.html.

• On Oct. 27, from noon to 4 p.m., the 17th Annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade in the East Village, the city's oldest, largest and most outlandish Halloween bash, especially for pups, is a must-see event. ( www.firstrunfriends.org ).

• The "Wild Things" Halloween Costume Ball & Benefit Art Auction on Oct. 27 will benefit the City Critters cat rescue. It will be held at the Carrozzini von Buhler Gallery, 407 W. 13th St., from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Visit http://cvb-wildthings.blogspot.com.

• On Oct. 28, celebrity animal behaviorist Bash Dibra will host Howl-O-Ween, at Van Cortlandt Park Canine Court, in the Bronx, from noon to 2 p.m.

• Head to Rockaway Beach, Queens, for a K9 Kostume Karnival at Rockaway Freeway Dog Park on Oct. 28 from noon to 2:30 p.m. For information on the event, check out their Web site:  www.arfarfrockawaybeach.org.

• Animal Fair magazine will host its seventh Annual Canine Comedy Halloween Pet Costume Contest Party on Oct. 29, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Arena, 135 W. 41st St. For info, go to  www.animalfair.com.

• And, Oct. 31, the granddaddy of all parades the 34th Annual New York's Village Halloween Parade will feature a float honoring the pets of New York. For more information, go to  www.BellaStarletDog.com.

 

By CLAUDIA SIDOTI

October 31, 2007 -- VIDEO: Tour the L.E.S. Haunted House

This year, revelers can expect the 34th Annual Village Halloween Parade to be even more exciting than ever. The theme is Wings of Desire, so the masterful crew of puppeteers who lead the parade will take you on a magnificent journey into the skies. If it has wings, then it will soar above the streets of New York tonight.

RECIPES: Bubbling Brews

Great Places to Haunt After the Parade

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With more two million spectators, parade director Jeanne Fleming believes that "Halloween is the essence of New York." She has coordinated the parade for the last 28 years, and claims that this single event says more about the people of New York than any other.

"This is one of the most ancient traditions in the most modern city," says Fleming. "It's amazing how incredible it is that it all works, even when you think it shouldn't, which is truly the spirit of New York."

The NYPD "foster the joy of the parade" says Fleming, and ensure the merrymaking stays safe for spectators and participants.

The evening starts with a peaceful blessing from internationally acclaimed spiritual teacher Donna Henes. She and a crew of 30, dressed in pure white, will open the pathway to imagination by clearing the road and making way for the fun.

The parade is a night where New York City's diversity and creativity come alive in the most imaginative way. Be sure to look out for the performance sponsored by Zappos.com, which will feature 50 pairs of dancing shoes.

There will also be a celebrity dog float this year, lead by Bella Starlet Dog, along with a number of celebrities with their own pooches in tow.

Other fabulous floats include the Horror Fest (a freaky circus of sorts), Buffy the Vampire Slayer and a Kostume Kult float.

Entertainment continues with a variety of music from more than 50 bands including Witches in Bikinis and the Hungry March Band.

In addition, look out for authentic Tahitian hula dancers, as well as artist Barnaby Ruhe, who will action paint a Goya masterpiece as the parade moves along.

The 2007 Grand Marshall will be The Creature from Mel Brooks' "Young Frankenstein."

The Empire State Building will shine orange and, in honor of the creatures of the night, it will stay lit until dawn.

Those in costume should line up for tonight's parade on 6th Avenue south of Spring Street and north of Canal, between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

To get there, take the 1, 2 or 3 line to 14th Street and 7th Avenue, or take the A, B, C, D, E, F or Q to West 4th Street and 6th Avenue.

Tips For Viweing:

1. Dress for the weather - the temperature can drop significantly once the sun goes down.

2. Be prepared for crowds - this is a popular event, it's dark and it can be hard to keep your group together. Pick a meeting point and time in case you get separated.

3. Parade watchers start lining up 2 hours before the parade begins - with some persistance (& walking) you should be able to find a prime viewing spot up to an hour before the parade begins.

4. This is a busy night for bars and restaurants along the parade route - if you're planning dinner after the parade, consider making reservations (especially if you're in a group).

Nothing To Wear?

Scare up a last-minute costume at these locales:

http://www.nypost.com/seven/10312007/entertainment/it_takes_a_village.htm?page=0