Dogs and humans get into costume at Dog-A-Ween

By Ian Swaby
| 8:30 a.m. October 28, 2024

Pepper and Buster came dressed as ice cream cones.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Despite the event's name, it wasn't just dogs that were wearing costumes at Dog-A-Ween, held at the Sarasota Farmer's Market on Oct. 26.

Many pet owners were also dressed to impress in a way that matched the theme of their pup's costume.

For instance, while Sarasota resident Kristin Goddard's dog Stella sat in the front of her bicycle, wrapped in a white blanket as E.T., she sported a red sweater as Elliott.

When asked if E.T. was her favorite movie, however, she told crowds that wasn't the inspiration.

"No, but it's an iconic, recognizable duo, and it's my first Halloween with her, so I figured we would go, you know, together," she said.

Pet owners found other creative ways to enjoy the contest together with their pups, with host Tyler Butler closing out the event by noting the level of creativity on display.

"It seems like every year it gets bigger," he also noted.

The event was also attended by Vice Mayor Jan Ahearn-Koch, who provided assistance with the tallying of scores. All proceeds went to Donte’s Den Foundation, a sanctuary for dogs in Myakka City.

Peter and Donna Bridge and their dog Winston won first place in the contest for their Harlem Globetrotters costume.

Valentina Labrera helps Teddy (who is dressed as a bee) prepare for the costume contest.

Carol and Lee Herron's dog Luca came in a sombrero.

Larisa Kozij's dog Shasta came dressed as a dinosaur.

Robert Petrillo, Danilo Zuniga and their dogs Dash, Lulu and Milton came with a Spanish dancer theme.

Bystanders Peggy and Mark West watch as the Boff family's dog Bear, in costume as a zebra, parades down the street.

Stella was E.T., while Kristin Goddard was Elliot.

Tigger and Malibu came as Brody and Quint from "Jaws."

Teagan Nickols' dog Mushu came dressed as the Scarecrow from "The Wizard of Oz."

Madi Sparks and Ocean Wolf, and Pepper and Buster, offered the public a treat with an ice cream vendor costume.

Dianne Frestel was a ringmaster, while her dog Pearl was the clown.

author

Ian Swaby

Ian Swaby is the Sarasota neighbors writer for the Observer. Ian is a Florida State University graduate of Editing, Writing, and Media and previously worked in the publishing industry in the Cayman Islands.