The Strut Your Mutt: Canine Halloween Costume Contest last weekend at Brookdale Dog Park in Montclair, New Jersey was a fun opportunity for dogs and their owners to show off their creativity.
Ruby (left) dressed as a pig and Coby (right) dressed as a lobster.
John LaRosa | The Montclarion
Some of the dog owners dressed up alongside their canines.
Kevin Gaylord, dressed as a magician, alongside his assistant, Brittnee Gaylord and their dog Keeva.
Michael Callejas | The Montclarion
The dogs had the opportunity to play with other dogs and owners had time to bond over their pets.
Abby Gonzales with her prisoner, Mina.
Michael Callejas | The Montclarion
Costumes included Super Mario and friends, a police officer and her prisoner, a magician and his assistants, Superdog and more.
Kristen Graham and her four pups, Ollie, Benji, Sadie and Rinny as “Super Mario” characters, won first place for best group.
Michael Callejas | The Montclarion
Essex County set up a Halloween-themed, orange backdrop with pumpkins and hay bales for winners to take celebratory pictures.
Rose Falchi and Tom DeLeasa with Max in front of the Strutt your Mutt showcase.
Michael Callejas | The Montclarion
Contest participants walked down a runway with their dogs to show themselves off to spectators and judges. The announcer brought laughter and excitement to the crowd with each passing contestant.
Brembo the corgi dressed as a T-rex.
John LaRosa | The Montclarion
Awards were categorized by which was the cutest, the most creative and the best group. First, second and third place winners were all presented a plaque by Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr.
The event was a success, bringing the community of families and friends together to celebrate their dogs and get into the Halloween spirit.
The crowd watches the dogs walk down the runway as judges make their decision.
John LaRosa | The Montclarion
Ruby Delgado and her pooch, Scooby Monkey Doo.
Michael Callejas | The Montclarion
Molly Gonzales, dressed as Ozzy Osborne, poses with her dog, Bear, dressed as a bat.
John LaRosa | The Montclarion
Remi eats a dog treat dressed as Yoda.
John LaRosa | The Montclarion
Maggy, Marcus and Josie Thug and their husky, Remmy Thug, won first place for cutest costume.
Michael Callejas | The Montclarion
A girl rides with her French bulldog, who is dressed as a biker.
John LaRosa | The Montclarion
The family that won first place at the Strut your Mutt competition with their minion costumes. John LaRosa | The Montclarion
