Bradenton Farmers’ Market Howl’ween Pet Costume Contest and Parade on Oct. 27

The Bradenton Farmers’ Market is hosting Howl’ween, an annual pet costume contest and parade on Old Main Street, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018. Dress your pet in their best Halloween costume and participate in a fun-filled parade in Downtown Bradenton. “Howl’ween is one of the more popular events held Bradenton Farmers’ Market,” said Peg Haynes, market manager for the Bradenton Farmers’ Market. “The creative costumes that are worn by the dogs—and owners—always bring smiles to market-goers’ faces. Even if you’re not participating, it’s a fun day to visit the market to watch the pooches strut their stuff.”

All Howl’ween participants must sign in and line up at the intersection of Third Avenue West and Old Main Street at 10 a.m. The pet parade begins 10:30 a.m., led by Paul Sharff from the Hernando De Soto Historical Society and Alysha O’Dell, DeSoto Queen, representing the Crewe of Desoto from the Hernando Desoto Historical Society. Photos and judging is at 11 a.m. Prizes will be awarded around 11:30 a.m. for: Best Overall, Most Scary, Most Creative, Most Funny and Best Pet with Pet Parent.

Judges are Wade Tatangelo, editor of the Herald Tribune Ticket; Kristin Tatangelo, owner of Kristin’s Paws in Paradise Professional Pet Sitting; Laura Avery, Manager of Community Programs and Exhibitions at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens; Gerry Russell, member of the Desoto Historical Society; Julie Nickerson, owner of Ruff Life Pet Apparel.

Howl’ween sponsors and partners are Realize Bradenton and Pets Plus.

About the Bradenton Farmers’ Market
The Bradenton Farmers’ Market, a production of Realize Bradenton, features more than 30 vendors who offer locally grown fruits, vegetables, plants, organic products, prepared foods, and the work of local artists and craftspeople. Live music, demonstrations by local chefs, and free family activities are also part of the fun. The market, located on Old Main Street, between Manatee Ave. W. and Third Avenue West in downtown Bradenton, is open every Saturday through the end of May, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Parking is free and dogs on leashes are welcome. For more information, visit: BradentonFarmersMarket.com.

About Realize Bradenton
Realize Bradenton is a nonprofit organization that promotes redevelopment and economic growth in downtown Bradenton by transforming places, engaging people, and realizing possibilities. For more information visit: Realize Bradenton FB Page.

Photos courtesy of Bradenton Farmers’ Market