Ventura, Calif. – The annual Howl‑O‑Ween dog costume contest brought a festive, family‑friendly atmosphere to the lawn of Ventura Harbor Village this weekend. Over 70 canine participants, each dressed in a hand‑crafted Halloween costume, strutted their stuff for a cheering crowd of pet lovers.
Contest Highlights and Winners
Judges evaluated entries in five categories: Spookiest, Most Sea‑Worthy, Most Creative, Most On‑Trend, and Best of Show. Best of Show went to Samantha Gonzalez of Oxnard, who defended her title with her dog Ketut. Last year Gonzalez entered as the Invisible Man; this year Ketut appeared with his head on a platter, a playful nod to the holiday theme. “This is Ketut, he doesn’t really like the table, but he is being a good sport,” Gonzalez said, adding that the event was “a good turnout and everybody looked great.”
Veteran competitor Catherine Cox and her dog Betty Rose continued their streak in the On‑Trend category. Cox, a Ventura resident, dressed Betty Rose as a tribute to the late Dolly Parton, complete with pink painted nails and a miniature guitar. Cox also paid homage to classic cinema, appearing as Jane Fonda from the film “9 to 5” while her friend portrayed Lily Tomlin.
Community Support and Prizes
The contest was sponsored by Ventura Pet Barn, which provided goodie bags for every participant. Each bag contained pup‑cream from Coastal Cone and treats from Howies Natural Dog Treats. Winners received gift cards and specialty dog bones, reinforcing the community’s commitment to local pet businesses.
Hundreds of onlookers gathered to applaud their favorites, creating a lively, intergenerational celebration of pets, creativity, and Halloween spirit. The event underscored the importance of family‑centered activities that bring neighbors together in a safe, outdoor setting.
More Halloween Fun at Ventura Harbor Village
Following the costume contest, Ventura Harbor Village announced additional Halloween events, including a Witches’ Paddle and a Trick‑or‑Treat walk on Friday, Oct. 30, beginning at 4 p.m. Residents are encouraged to visit the village’s website for details.
“Events like Howl‑O‑Ween showcase the vibrant, family‑oriented culture of Ventura,” said a village spokesperson. “We’re proud to provide a space where pet owners can share their love of animals while enjoying the holiday together.”
For more information about upcoming festivities, please visit venturaharborvillage.com.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
