12th Annual Operation Pumpkin Pet Parade & Costume Contest

Pet Parade and Costume Contest Rules

Hamilton's eighth annual Pet Parade and Costume Contest will take place on Sunday, October 15 at 12 p.m. as part of the last day of Operation Pumpkin. All participants are expected to read and adhere to rules and regulations that pertain to participation in the Pet Parade and Costume Contest posted below:

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​Costume Contest

Enter the costume contest to win prizes for best costumes in the following categories:

1. Small Breed (up to 15 lbs.)
2. Medium Breed (16-30 lbs.)
3. Large Breed (31 lbs. and over)
4. Best Owner/Pet Costumes
5. Best Dressed Pet Group

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Cost

• Pre-Registered $10 (registration must be complete by Saturday, Oct. 7 at 12:00 p.m.)
• Day-of Registration $12

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Pet Parade

Parade and judging area will form along N. 3rd Street between High Street and Court Street.

All preregistered pets will report to their designated category area. Look for white signs that indicate the category spaces. Check in with judge’s assistant before you line up to receive your complimentary Bark Box from PetWants Hamilton

 
Preregistered pets should plan on arriving at the event no later than 11:15 a.m. to allow ample time for check in, costume judging, and formation for the Pet Parade. Judging will begin at 11:40 a.m.

Day-of registration forms will be available at the registration table. (Cash or check only on day of contest). Registration closes at 11:25 a.m. Sorry, no late entries. You will then be directed to your specific category area (weight, group, or owner/pet) where costume judging will take place.

All contestants must be in the judging area no later than 11:35 a.m.

Upon completion of judging, awards will be presented and assistants will escort pets and owners to the parade gathering area.

The parade will proceed from N. 3rd St going west down High Street, crossing High at 2nd St. and returning east on High Street. The parade will ultimately end back at N. 3rd St .

All winners will be announced on stage and should report to the front of the stage for presentation of prizes and judging of Best in Show. Pets must always be on leash and kept under owners’ control. Pets must be under the control of participants 16 years of age or older.

Please be thoughtful of other participants, pets, and onlookers, and clean up after your pet. Call us today for more information!

Pet Parade Categories: Pre-Registration is now closed. You may register in person the day of the event.