Rockaway’s 4th Annual Dog Parade
By Dan Guarino
Every dog, from the peninsula and all around, will have their day as the 4th Annual Rockaway Dog Parade steps off on Sunday, September 7. Starting at 2 p.m., pups of all sizes and ages, their people, friends and fans will assemble at the Beach 94th Street Amphitheater and parade down to the Shore Front Dog Run at Beach 90th Street and Shore Front Parkway.
They’ll then head back for more activities, vendors, giveaways, raffles and prizes ‘til 4 p.m.
The theme this year is “Rockstars,” with pets and owners encouraged to put on their rocking best costumes to trot out for the crowd and vie for prizes from the parade judges.
The event, organizers say, brings “together dog lovers, creative costumes, and community spirit” for a fun and good cause. Proceeds this year go to the non-profit Allied Rockaway Foundation For Animal Recreation And Fitness (ARF-ARF). Registration is $5 per dog.
“Once the parade starts on the boardwalk, you just see a sea of dogs coming towards you!” organizer/founder Dana Humphrey said.
“This year…we are changing it up. In the past, it has been at the (Beach 108th Street) hockey rink and this year we are starting at the Rockaway Beach Amphitheater,” she added.
For those coming from afar, she notes, “For your GPS (it’s) 1-12 Cross Bay Pkwy, Queens, NY 11693,” locally known as the Beach 94th Street Amphitheater, adjacent to Shore Front Parkway.
“Some dogs and their parents mentioned that a shorter course would work better for them, so they barked and we listened! Plus dog parade paw-ticipants or onlookers can park their cars with ease in the large parking lot on 94th Street. It is also accessible to the NYC Ferry, which is one of our sponsors this year.
“There is (also) lots of space on the boardwalk so that dogs that don’t get along or who are more reactive can hang back,” Humphrey said. All dogs must be leashed.
Once they return, all participating dogs can show off their Rockstar costumes on the boardwalk for the crowd and judges. Last year’s parade theme, “Outer Space,” brought a wide array of creative, other-worldly costumes for both pets and owners.
Previous themes included Oktoberfest and Tiki Party. “People really get into the theme,” Humphrey explained. “Tiki was really fun and added to the natural paradise feeling here in Rockaway. Outer Space was a bit ‘out there’ for people, and Oktoberfest embraces the beer drinking culture. However, I am hoping Rockstar is versatile enough for everyone to pick a vibe, whether it’s Elvis, Stevie Nicks, Bowie, Janis Joplin or the Beatles.”
“Our grand marshal this year is Rockaway Kate Rizzo. She is a local pet sitter and will be wearing a sash and making sure the dogs feel welcome and stay on course,” Humphrey said.
Judges this year include Mike O’Donnell, Grace Forster and dog Cleo, and Curtis Wanderer. They will sit up in lifeguard chairs, arranged by NYC Parks, leaving ample room for dogs to strut their stuff and get pictures taken. There will be prizes galore for all the dogs to win.
“Yes!” say Humphrey. “Baya Bar Acai Shop on Beach 116th is donating a gift card. Rockaway Sea & Sweet is donating a gift basket. Pilot House is donating a $50 gift card plus a Doggie Meal. Tiki Bar is donating a $50 gift card. Hot Yoga Rockaway Beach on 116th Street is donating one month of Unlimited Hot Yoga, a $200 value.”
Also on the prize list, “A-Rock-Away is donating a custom video for the winning doggie for social media; Brothers Rockaway is donating a $25 gift card, and Sail Rockaway and Crustino’s Pizza are both donating prizes.”
Many more prizes from dog treats, dog food, dog swag, toys, gift cards, and t-shirts from Rockaway Rizzo House Sitting will be awarded.
All dogs who register will receive “a parade number…to show the judges, and a goodie bag, full of amazing treats, coupons, freebies and more.”
The amphitheater itself will be home to the Pet Fair, where dogs can register to be in the parade, mingle with the judges and grand marshal, get their photo taken and meet the pet vendor booths, and possibly adopt new furry best friends. Farmina Pet Food will be giving out samples for all dogs, while NYC Ferry will be registering people for their programs. Connor’s Canine Cookies, a Rockaway dog biscuit manufacturer, will be selling treats, Whitney Kobrin will be offering Tarot Readings, and more!
The first Rockaway Dog Parade in 2022 proved to be a success, with more than 100 dogs registered. This year they are expecting some 200 pets, and their people of course. The event also draws excited adults, children and even quizzical other pets, who have come out to watch or are taken by surprise by this oncoming parade of pups.
Recalling how the idea started, Humphrey noted that while working in the pet industry from 2005 to 2020, she often attended large scale pet trade shows. “Since retiring from this career, I wanted to continue to stay connected to dogs in some way. I have been working with Dance Parade New York since 2018 and decided to combine my passions for dogs and parades here in Rockaway. The folks from Poseidon’s Parade, Casey Brouder and Jerry Rea, helped me a lot to get started and here we are four years later. It’s an annual thing!”
As Humphrey and crew prepare for the big dog day, she encourages everyone to come out and join the fun.
Besides there being a doggie goodie bag for every participating pup, she says, “The annual Rockaway Dog Parade is a lot of fun for anyone who loves animals and people. There are hundreds of dogs to meet and sniff, hysterical costumes to photograph, pet products to sample, prizes to be won. We will have music playing for dancing, and it’s an all-around family friendly event.”
Everyone is invited to come and see what all the barking is about.
Photos by Dan Guarino.
