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Westcott residents came together to walk across town while dogs barked and community members chatted with neighbors. Families, often dressed in costumes, gathered to watch the dogs from the sidelines or joined in the parade as a brass band played jazz-style music.

“I just think it’s great to get out of the house,” attendee Melissa Arthur said. “It’s nice to be able to hang around people, see all the dogs playing. I just wanted to have a great time.”

The Westcott Neighborhood Association hosted its fourth annual Halloween Dog Parade on Saturday afternoon. The half-mile parade route brought dog owners along Wescott Street, beginning and ending at the Petit Branch Library.

More than a dozen dogs were at the parade with their owners. Popular dog costumes this year included an avocado or a pumpkin, with many dogs wearing their costumes over their leashes.
Sam Gruber, co-president of the Westcott Neighborhood Association, said the parade is one of the “happy events” for the community. In recent years, the association has had to deal with more divisive arguments, like commercial expansion into the community, he said.

In contrast, the parade isn’t controversial; Gruber said it was simply a way to bring joy to the community. The event is special because of its family-friendly, community spirit, he said.

Jeff, Arthur’s dog, was dressed up as Jeff the Land Shark from the “Marvel Rivals” comic series, with Arthur herself dressed in a corresponding handmade Squirrel Girl costume. Arthur said she loves taking her dog out whenever possible so Jeff can do fun things in the community.

Susannah Park’s family dressed up as a s’mores sandwich: her son as the graham cracker, Park as the chocolate bar and their dog, Nabi, as the marshmallow. Park, who worked as a former Westcott Neighborhood Association board member, said she appreciated the event’s ability to connect the community.

“I just think it’s a fun way to come together,” Park said. “It’s nonpolitical, which is wonderful. Just neighbors having a good time with their dogs together.”

Dogs got into the Halloween spirit with capes, bandanas and collars. Isabella Flores | Staff Photographer

Marisol Estrada Cruz, who lives close to Westcott, said she went to the parade to help cope and find joy in “dark times.” She dressed up as a beekeeper with her dog Benny, who was the bee.

“It’s been really sad lately with the current administration, and I feel like this parade provides an opportunity to come together and see cute dogs in their costumes and uplift our spirits,” Cruz said.

Other attendees of the parade watched the event in past years, but didn’t join the parade until this year.

Syracuse University senior Catherine Li attended the event with her dog Pepper, both wearing matching duck costumes. Li was a spectator in the parade two years ago, when she hadn’t gotten Pepper yet. This year, Li knew she wanted to join.

Bobbi Finster, a member of the Westcott community, said she enjoyed how the parade brought people together. Although Finster has watched the parade for five years, she didn’t decide to attend until she got her 11-month old dog, Lincoln. At the event, she said she found new dog playdates for Lincoln.

Longtime Westcott residents, like Jadi Mitchell, said the event is important for building community pride. Mitchell brought her dog, Marvin, dressed in a vampire costume, to the event. Even though she’s lived in the neighborhood for a long time, this was her first time attending the parade.

“I’ve been in this neighborhood my whole life,” Mitchell said. “It’s good to see all the people come out.”

Published on October 26, 2025 at 8:33 pm