Montgomery Mall and Pride Partners will co-host a free fun-filled afternoon for dogs and their owners October 29, beginning at noon.
Canines, along with their companions, are invited to attend and strut their stuff in full costume prior to judging at 2 p.m.
“This event, which originally began in 2005 at the Montgomery Township Bark Park, is now making its second grand appearance at Montgomery Mall,” said Richard Buttacovoli of Pride Partners. The mall, he said, is the perfect location because the show will go on, rain or shine.
In addition to fun, the event hopes to raise awareness of pet-related issues and to draw attention and support to the “at capacity” dilemma facing local shelters and rescues. The increase in animal surrenders is tied, in part, to the Covid crisis and the inability to care for pets once businesses reopened.
Mall management and community officials also hope to bring renewed interest to the shopping venue because money spent at local businesses benefits area schools and municipalities.
In conjunction with the Halloween Expo, mall retailers will be hosting a simultaneous sidewalk sale offering great bargains for shoppers with or without dogs.
Costume contest judges include North Penn School Board Director and Vice President Christian Fusco, Magisterial District Judge Suzan Leonard, Lower Gwynedd Auditor Cathy Pagano, Montgomery Township Supervisor Beth Staab, Montgomery County Clerk of Courts Lori Schreiber, and others.
In addition to the parade and contest, Montgomery Mall will offer free exhibit tables for providers of canine goods who register in advance to reserve space.
Local not-for-profits are invited to take advantage of the event’s foot traffic with informational displays in windows of stores not currently leased, courtesy of Montgomery Mall. The International Spring Festival, DARA-Drug Addiction Resource Alliance, and Knights for Life have already taken advantage of the window publicity and storefront space is offered first-come, first-serve, based on pre-registration.
An after party will take place at Smokey Bones on the outdoor patio for event goers and 76ers fans.
The day’s festivities are sponsored by Montgomery Mall, Key Bank, Lansdale Grocery Outlet, Pets Plus Natural, Repko Law and Wegmans.
Canine costume contestants must register prior to October 22.
Suppliers of canine and other pet goods and services must register prior to October 21.
Not-for-profits seeking exhibit space should contact Melvin at mford(at)krigproperties.com prior to October 21 to secure a spot.
