Costume contest for pets
Come Saturday and Salem would play host to the Boo-tiful Pet Costume Contest. It would be held at the Salem Common on Washington Square from 1.30 p.m onwards.
The event which is a brainchild of Dona Michaund was started around 20 years ago. While working in a pet shop, one day she attired her doggy in a child’s costume and took him out for a walk. To her utter amazement Dona found people flocking around them and taking snaps of her doggy. This incident inspired her to hold a costume party for pet owners which became a runaway success. Later on she started holding a parade for pets which became immensely popular over the years.
The contest has also boosted the economy of the place to a great extent. Many shops dedicated solely to pet clothing and accessories have sprung up on Washington Street in downtown Salem. However, despite the growth in shops many people still prefer to dress their doggies in home-made costumes.
According to Michaund this year the contest has been divided into 7 categories like Scariest or Creepiest Dog; Most Original; Best Dog and Owner (for matching costumes); Cutest Costumed Dog; Wackiest Bunch (for two or more canines); and Crowd Pleaser (for the costume that gets the best audience response.).
This year, the pooches will walk the ramp one by one. After that they would be grouped together in sections according to category. This would enable the judges to take prompt and correct decisions.
The event would be hosted by comedian Steve Calechman. There are prizes for the top three finishers in each category. All participating candidates will receive a gift
token each.
For further information you can get in touch with Dona Michaund at 978-744-2615.
If take your doggy to Salem for the contest do write in to me at gnice@wearethecure.org so that I can invite you to be a guest blogger.
Tags: Boo-tiful pet costume contest, pet costume contest in Salem