St. Clair Shores

Dog Park Howloween Party Oct. 21

By Kristyne E. Demske
C & G Staff Writer

It’s something for members to bark about.

For the fifth year, the Statler Maloof Dog Park will host a Howloween Party, giving members a chance to mingle and enjoy the park before winter’s cold sets in.

“It’s a thank you to our members for being our members,” said Marianne Courey, chair of the St. Clair Shores Dog Park Committee. “We have a lot of free stuff. We do a costume contest for dogs and owners. We have free cider and doughnuts for everybody.  We have a professional photographer who sets up with a nice fall background. She will print it up and give it to you right there.”

The park’s Howloween Party will be held from 1-3 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Statler Maloof Dog Park at Brys Park. Only members can bring their dogs into the park because of the park’s vaccination and registration rules. But those wanting to check out the fun are “certainly welcome to bring their dog on leash into the parking lot,” Courey said. Membership is $20 for residents and available through the St. Clair Shores Parks and Recreation Department.

There will be prizes for the costume contests, which include best owner/dog combination costumes, scariest dog costume and cutest dog costume.

“We also have vendors that will be there that will be giving away lots of stuff,” Courey said.

Those vendors include Bubbles N’ Barks, Camp Bow Wow, Angels Supporting Animals rescue group, and A Pets Pal in-home sitter and trainer.

The committee will also host a raffle to help raise money “for those little extras that the dog park wants, not needs,” Courey said. “Most of the time we use it to buy flowers to make the park look prettier, ball launchers, toys, water bowls, things like that.”

This year, however, the committee will unveil a surprise addition to the park at the party. Committee members are keeping mum about what it will be, with Courey only saying that it is “something very exciting” and that “no one in Michigan has one.”

“I love seeing all the members come together and watching all the dogs run and play together,” said Maria Jucha, secretary and treasurer of the committee in an email message. “Attendance gets bigger every year, so I would have to say the members really enjoy this party.”

She said the park has revitalized Brys Park and has become its own little community where dogs and owners can meet and socialize.

“It is a great way for the community to connect and do something positive for their animals,” she said. “I have seen so many friendships created at the dog park, both people and dogs.”

There are about 500 members of the park, and Courey said at least 100 dogs showed up to last year’s party.

“It’s always a fun event. We always have a really good time,” she said. “It’s kind of the last hurrah for the busy season.”

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Kristyne E. Demske at kdemske@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1041.