Rockaway’s Paw-Perfect 4th Annual Dog Parade

By Dan Guarino

It was a grand day for Rockaway’s canines on Sunday, September 7, as hundreds of pups and people came out for the 4th Annual Rockaway Dog Parade. The event began at 2 p.m., with tails wagging, music playing and an excited, festive air in the Beach 94th Street Amphitheater space.

“The rain in the morning caused some apprehension…but by 2 p.m., the rain had stopped, and people were out registering and getting raffle tickets,” said parade organizer/founder Dana Humphrey. “The costumes were fantastic!”

As many as 50 dogs registered for the parade and costume contest, whose “Rock Star” theme brought out the four-legged likes of Elvis, Ozzy Osbourne, Courtney Love and bodyguard, Barbie, little leather jacketed bikers, “Taylor Sniff”-“Kelce Taylor couldn’t make it today,” her owner said, Jimmy Buffett, Madonna, Run-DMC, with owner in matching costume, and even the Chihuahua Pack dressed as bats, a dolphin, the Pup Pistols complete with an instrument and UK flag stuffed wagon, and a pup named Potato in a little yellow dress.

Costumes were colorful and creative. Winning third prize dressed as Elton John, Bodie’s owner noted he made the pup’s entire sparkly outfit with ingredients “from the dollar store.” Cost: $6. One Ozzy Osbourne came along with a rolling purple throne.

Once gathered, Humphrey and Onel Mulet, with dog-themed music in tow, led the parade along Shore Front Parkway, with Grand Marshal Rockaway Kate Rizzo keeping everyone on course.

Once past Beach 90th Street’s Shore Front Parkway Dog Run, they rolled up onto the boardwalk and headed back to the amphitheater. There, Farmina Pet Food gave out samples, Whitney Kobrin offered Tarot readings, and NYC Ferry, a parade sponsor, gave out info.

For the costume contest itself, judges Mike O’Donnell, Grace Forster and dog Cleo, and Curtis Wanderer sat atop NYC Parks provided lifeguard chairs while contestants strode across the concrete amphitheater’s stage. Owners were able to say a little bit about their furry friend and their rock star outfits.

After tight deliberations, prizes went to Phoenix as Courtney Love for Most Original, while Funniest Dog went to Bentley as Ozzy. Best Matching for owner and dog went to Run-DMC, and Best Group went to people Bettina and Margie and their Pup Pistols punk rock band.

First prize went to the Bark Sabbath group; second prize went to Mr. Rebel as Jimmy Buffett and third prize went to Bodie as Elton John.

Contest and raffles prizes were generously donated by Baya Bar Acai Shop, Rockaway Sea & Sweet, Pilot House, Hot Yoga Rockaway Beach, A-Rock-Away video services, Brothers Rockaway, Crustino’s­ Pizza, Sail Rockaway, Tiki Bar, Meat Up Grill, Knollwood Lane, Nurture-U-Wellness, the Rockaway Theatre Company and Rockaway Kate Rizzo Pet Sitting. Special thanks also went to NYC Parks Deputy Administrator for Rockaway Khalil Bratton, and Puppy Paradise Boarding Services’ Christina Conti for helping with check-in.

Proceeds went to non-profit ARF-ARF (Allied Rockaway Foundation For Animal Recreation And Fitness), stewards of the Shorefront Dog Run. See www.arf-arfrockaway.org for info. A total of $621 was raised, going towards updates to the park.

ARF-ARF’s Zina Moratti later stated, “Thank you to everyone who registered, attended, and supported the 4th Annual Rockaway Dog Parade! Congratulations to all costume winners and raffle prize winners. We also want to thank the judges, sponsors, grand marshal, and organizer Dana Humphrey for making the parade possible. It was so much fun to see all the rrrrock stars!!”

The event was certainly a hit to all who participated, including those who came along to watch and support. As contest judge Curtis Wanderer explained, “I am honored to be asked, because who doesn’t love a dog, something with unconditional love?”

Photos by Dan Guarino and Katie McFadden.