Howl-O-Ween brings costumed pups to UT Gardens
UT Gardens held the fourth annual Howl-O-Ween on Sunday afternoon.
On Sunday, Oct. 22, Knoxville and surrounding communities could be found at the UT Gardens for the fourth annual Howl-O-Ween pooch parade and pet expo.
The event, which lasted from 1-5 p.m., encouraged dog owners to bring their furry friends in Halloween costumes, tour the pet expo, grab something to eat at the food trucks and watch or participate in one of the four pooch parades.
Freshman Riley Doty knew she wanted to attend the event upon hearing the details.
“I heard dogs and that they were going to be in Halloween costumes,” she said. “That’s like my two favorite things coming together!”
The pooch parade was divided into four categories: Funny Bone, Bad to the Bone, Do(g) It Yourself and Pup Culture. Each category had a separate parade for dog-lovers and dog-owners to watch and enjoy or for dressed up dogs to walk in. The dogs and their owners paraded through the UT Gardens, passed the judge’s table, and down a path lined with eager dog-lovers.
“The parade was just so funny,” freshman Erin Young stated, “I love dogs. It makes me miss my dog more.”
The Howl-O-Ween event featured a variety of vendors including grooming services, pet supplies, advocacy groups, pet rescue facilities, veterinary hospitals and many more. One vendor, known as Dogwood Dogcamp, even had a few puppies available for adoption at the event.
Dogs of every breed and size could be found lounging in the sun and playing with their owners. Food trucks served hot dogs, barbeque, and a variety of other treats for hungry event attendees. For hungry or thirsty pets, many vendors provided treats and the event put together a “Hydration Station” to keep the dogs cool on the warm day. The event brought together people and pooches of all ages for an afternoon of awareness and fun.
For more information and pictures from the Howl-O-Ween event, visit the Tennessee Journalist Facebook page for live videos or the UT Gardens Howl O Ween Facebook page.
Featured image by Abby Hamilton
Edited by Kaitlin Flippo
