Dog Halloween costume parade packs in the pups in NYC

Candyce H. Stapen | USA TODAY

Dogs costumed in their Halloween best will accompany their fancifully attired owners on parade in New York's Tompkins Square Park on Oct. 26. One of the largest dog Halloween events in the USA, the East Village park last year saw more than 500 terriers, bulldogs, Labradors, pugs and lovable mutts put on the dog.

The "pawsitively" clever outfits earn rewards. Winners in various categories can howl with pride about their Broadway show tickets and the cute four-footers can wag after receiving $50 gift certificates plus treats from Purina's Beggin', one of this year's sponsors.

In past years, a golden retriever wearing antlers and a Santa suit pulled a sleigh, a corgi came as a bus stop, a West Highland terrier packed in the spinach for his Olive Oyl and Popeye pet parents, and small dogs dug deep into their inner superstars, appearing as John Lennon, Evel Knievel and even Michael Jackson, complete with one glittering silver bootie.

This year marks the 23rd annual fundraiser for the dog run located in the park. Admission is free. Attendees may purchase $5 raffle tickets for a mini-iPad.

"The event is a way to share hilarious moments with pets and their owners," says Garrett Rosso, volunteer manager of the dog park. "One year all the pugs came as Chinese take-out. Martha Stewart liked the costumes so much that she made them for her dogs."

Shopping stats show that Martha's one of the pack: Last year Americans spent $370 million on Halloween pet costumes, $70 million more than in 2011.

Details: Tompkins Square Dog Run, 500 E. 9th Street between avenues A and B, Tompkins Square Park. Noon to 4 pm.