Pups of all sizes, shapes and breeds will be assembling on Saturday, October 3, for the Fifth Annual Rockaway Dog Parade. The event will take place at the Beach 94th Street Amphitheater off Shore Front Parkway from 12 to 2 p.m.
Dogs from Rockaway and beyond, and their people, are invited to dress their costumed best for this year’s “Under The Sea” theme.
Past parades have included Oktoberfest themes, Tiki Party, and Outerspace. Last year’s Rockstar-theme brought out hound dog Elvises, Ozzy Osbournes, Hawaiian-shirted canine-Jimmy Buffet, “Taylor Sniff,’ and “The Pup Pistols.”
This year’s whimsical seascape theme, a press release notes, invites “dogs and their humans to dress as mermaids, sailors, sea creatures, pirates, tropical fish, and ocean-inspired characters.”
After introductions and opening festivities, the gathered dogs and owners will proceed from the amphitheater to take to the sidewalk along Shore Front. Once the parade reaches Beach 90th Street’s Shore Front Parkway Dog Run, they will go up the ramp to the boardwalk, then proudly process back to Beach 94th St. This shorter route has been designed to make sure all pups and people can more easily participate and enjoy.
Rockaway resident Dana Humphrey, parade founder/organizer, explains, “We’re keeping the event centered around the amphitheater area, so that everyone can enjoy the parade, the costumes, the judging, and all of the fun together. Plus, the first 200 people can enjoy free Cupcakes by Millie the Basket Queen!”
Returning to the amphitheater, pets will get the chance to “strut their stuff on the catwalk for the costume contest in front of the judges.”
Dog parade tickets, as well as prize raffles, will be on sale on the day of the event. “The (parade) fee is $5 and it benefits the non-profit, Zion’s Mission. Their parade badge gets them access to win a prize in the contest.”
Beyond the parade and contest, featuring celebrity judges, there will be awards and prizes, music and entertainment, fun photo opportunities, local vendors, giveaways and other family friendly activities. Keeping things lively throughout will be emcee, DJ Paddy Tubz.
Along with Cupcakes by Millie the Basket Queen, vendors will include Farmina Pet Food, Crafted by Ney, Sophie Furman Art pet portraits and more.
Highlighting each year’s Rockaway Dog Parade is the profusion of creative and inventive costumes. Judging this year’s pack will be celebrity dog groomer Jorge Bendersky, who has appeared on Animal Planet’s “Groomer Has It” and ABC’s “Pooch Perfect,” Sean Bolebruch of Sail Rockaway, which offers tours, lessons, and youth sailing on Jamaica Bay, Jess Charitos from Bougie Boarding service, providing walks, doggie daycare and boarding in Rockaway, and Nicole Cooley of Farmina Pet Food. NYC Ferry is a parade sponsor and will have a table at the pet fair.
“We were looking for judges who understand that this event is about much more than having the fanciest dog,” Humphrey said. “It’s about personality, creativity, community, and the special bond between people and their dogs.”
The parade this year is also working with new partner, non-profit Zion’s Mission Animal Rescue, which the event’s proceeds will go to.
Founded in 2019 by local residents Sloane Quealy-Miner and Matt Miner, Community Outreach and Events Director Maribel Cosme-Vitagliani explains, “As an organization, we rescue, rehabilitate, train and find loving homes for as many abused, neglected, abandoned and/or unwanted animals as possible. We are dedicated to hospice senior dogs as well, who often get overlooked in the shelter system.”
With their sister rescue organization Sasha’s Mission, Zion’s Mission also traps stray or lost companion dogs and works within the community to promote ethical animal welfare and responsible pet ownership.
“When we did our Bark in the Park event a few summers ago, we collaborated with Dana for doggy yoga and she was kind enough this year to make us the benefactor for the parade,” Cosme-Vitagliani said.
Local businesses are once again lending their support in providing the event’s prizes. These will include a one-month unlimited hot yoga package, $220 value, from Hot Yoga Rockaway Beach, dog bowls from Sal y Lima, gift cards from both The Meat Up Grill and Crustinos Pizza, a Nurture U Wellness surprise pack, a Postcard Brewing $25 gift card, and $40 gift card from Wise Clock Café.
In addition, there will be a gift pack from Baya Bar on Beach 116th, a Rockaway Beach Pickleball and Golf Club $50 gift card, a Tap That gift card, a Long Beach Hotel dog movie night in the ballroom, a $100 Pilot House gift card, Betsy’s Bungalow gift basket, Around the Collar NY leather collars and a Seaweed RBNY gift basket.
Affordable Auto’s Jerry Rea, a longtime Dog Parade supporter, is donating three free car washes this year. Lisa Makes is donating handmade items. There will also be a Fat Cardinal Bakery gift card, Bungalow Bar gift card and t-shirt, $50 Callie’s gift card, Beachside Pharmacy gift card, Flower Shak Dispensary gift basket, and pet sunglasses from Petite Lumiere. Plus, Better Bone is donating 200 items for the doggie goodie bags.
“Last year we had a fantastic turnout, with approximately 130 dogs and over 200 people joining us,” Humphrey said. “It’s always hard to get an exact count because people are coming and going throughout the event, but what really stands out is how much the parade has grown.
“It’s not just a dog event anymore — it has become a community event. We have dog lovers, families, friends, local businesses, volunteers, and people who simply come out because they want to enjoy a fun afternoon in Rockaway.
“I wanted to create something that was joyful, welcoming, a little whimsy in the best possible way, and give people a reason to come together. The parade became a way to celebrate the dogs we love while also shining a light on animal rescue.
“Five years later, it has become one of my favorite Rockaway traditions. There’s something really special about seeing neighbors cheering each other on, dogs dressed in completely over-the-top costumes, and everyone laughing and enjoying themselves.”
For more information/tickets see Dog Parade of Rockaway Beach NY on Facebook, social media and Eventbrite.
Photos by Dan Guarino.
