Cape Dog Bakery’s Halloween Costume Contest Saturday
The 6th Annual Halloween Costume Contest, hosted by the Cape Dog Bakery, is guaranteed to be a good time for dogs and their owners this weekend.
The contest will be held Saturday, Oct. 30. Those who wish to participate are encouraged to show up at 9 a.m. in front of the Cape Dog Bakery for judging that will begin at 9:30 a.m. Prizes will be awarded for best couple, best group, cutest small dog, best large dog, best owner and dog and best overall costume.
After the Cape Dog Bakery opened its doors six years ago, owners Anita and Lou Simmons decided to begin an annual Halloween costume contest for dogs and their owners because no one else hosted one in the Cape.
Anita said they have had as many as 70 entries in the past years. This year’s contest is anticipated to attract as many dogs and people as previous years as long as the weather is nice.
Some of the past costumes have included a pug dressed up as a bunch of grapes, a dog died green and dressed as the Incredible Hulk. A group of dogs were also dressed up as a flock of chickens and another group of dogs were dressed up to represent a pumpkin patch.
“We have had lots of different very fun costumes in the past,” she said. “There are a bunch of creative people out there, that’s for certain.”
Anita said each year they have had a panel of different judges.
“I am never the judge,” she said.
Cape City Councilmember Marty McClain will make his first appearance as one of the three Halloween Costume Contest judges this weekend. He said he is looking forward to it because the “creativity is beyond imagination sometimes.”
“People will dress their pets up in just about anything,” McClain said. “I am looking forward to it.”
Cape Coral Police Capt. Lisa Barnes will also be making her first appearance as a judge. She said she has no idea what to expect, but she hopes a lot of people will come out for it.
“I’m looking forward to it,” she said. “It should be a good time.”
Two-time veteran judge, CRA Public Relations Manager Helen Ramey, said she is honored to be the judge for the third time this year.
“It’s always exciting to participate in the Halloween pet contest,” Ramey said. “It’s amazing what people do to their pets and it’s amazing what wonderful creatures dogs are.”
Although the contest does not cost anything to enter, Anita encourages everyone to bring a bag of dry cat food as a donation for the Save Our Pets Alliance Food Bank. Monetary donations will also be accepted to purchase food for the pet food bank.
No advance registration is required to participate in the costume contest. Anita strongly encourages pet owners to leave their cats at home.
The Cape Dog Bakery at 1207 Cape Coral Parkway, East. For additional information, call 239-542-9663.