Will Halloween Pet Parade Include Cardinals?

Be a good sport and join other pet lovers at the Patch Pet Party at Halloween event, which will include a pet parade and contests at Wildwood Town Center on Halloween evening (Oct. 31). Dogs, cats and pocket pets are welcome. This week, many dogs already were seen displaying St. Louis Cardinals wear.

Registration for the parade and contest is required. Please do so online by clicking here.

Gather around Wildwood's Town Center Plaza (near the fountain area) by 5:30 p.m. Monday to prepare for the parade and costume contest. There will be prizes and giveaways. There also will be special treats for pets and kids.

Pet costume ideas found on cliff.com indicate two secrets to quick and easy pet costumes for large dogs is to use an old football jersey or T-shirt, and to adapt baby costumes for small dogs and cats. For dogs that already have doggie sweaters or winter gear, owners can add something to it, such as a superhero cape, angel's wings, spider legs, giraffe spots, or tiger stripes — made of felt, colored paper or cardboard.

Monday evening, a free photo of you and your dressed-up pet(s) can be taken at the Patch Photo Booth.

The parade will start promptly at 6 p.m. Participants will be judged for two categories: 

• best pet costume and
• best pet/owner look-a-like contest.

Pets should have updated shots and be leashed or in carriers.

After the parade and contest, enjoy kettle corn, chips and drinks while interacting with pet-related vendors and gathering helpful tips and information. Balloons and temporary tatoos also will be available for children. The event is scheduled to conclude at 7 p.m. so participants can still trick-or-treat in their personal neighborhoods.

Representatives of the , , , and Eureka-Wildwood Patch teamed up to provide a free, fast and fun Halloween celebration that's for pets as well as their human companions.

For pets' safety, please don't dress them in anything that may cause them to trip or fall. Don't cover their eyes.