Pet owners and adorers alike can rejoice, for an iconic New York City event has been saved: the Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade 2018 is back on.
The Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade is a beloved tradition in which costumed pups march around the East Village park as a fundraiser for the Tompkins Square Dog Run. But the 28th iteration of the fall feature was threatened when organizers announced they were having funding issues.
Back in August, organizers said that the city parks department asked for a larger $1 million insurance and liability policy for the event, to cover the larger crowds that have been coming to watch the pups parade in costume. Organizers didn’t have the funds to cover that, so they had to cancel this year’s event.
Now, thanks to community leaders and ESPN stepping up, the Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade is a go — but it won’t be held in Tompkins Square Park.
The parade will now take place at the East River Park Amphitheater in East River Park, which is across FDR Drive from Corlears Hook Park.
“I am so happy that after months of work with community advocates and dog lovers, the Tompkins Square Park Halloween Dog Parade will be returning to the community for its 28th iteration,” Council Member Carlina Rivera said in a statement. “This beloved Lower East Side tradition wouldn’t be happening this year without the tireless efforts of Good Old Lower East Side and the supporters of the Tompkins Square Park Dog Run.”
ESPN will broadcast the Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade 2018 with Katie Nolan as the host, so dog lovers outside of New York City can still enjoy the costumed pets. ESPN is also making a $10,000 donation to City Parks Foundation that will go to supporting the Dog Run.
Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade 2018 details
28th Annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade
Sunday, October 28th rain or shine
From 12 noon to 3:00 pm
East River Amphitheater in East River Park. Organizers suggest attendees come through Corlears Hook Park at 451 Cherry Street
