FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 17, 2008

LAKEWOOD’S 2nd ANNUAL SPOOKY POOCH PARADE!

LAKEWOOD, OH – Join the fun on Saturday, Oct. 17 from 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. as Downtown Lakewood presents the Spooky Pooch Parade, an event that has become the newest Halloween tradition for Northeast Ohio dog lovers and their families.

Led by Cleveland Browns mascot, "CHOMPS", dogs of all shapes and sizes dressed in their finest Halloween fashions will strut their stuff in the heart of Lakewood’s business district on Detroit Avenue. Judges will award prizes in a number of categories including Spookiest Pooch, most creative dog & child, most original adult & dog and best float. The parade will step off from St. Charles Green at 2 p.m. and continue west along Detroit Avenue to Lakewood Public Library and return; about .8 miles.

“This event brought joy to so many last year, as all kinds of dog-friendly people came together in downtown Lakewood to celebrate Halloween,” said LakewoodAlive executive director, Mary Anne Crampton. Spooky Pooch Committee member, Eileen Wilbourn added, “This event highlights Lakewood as a walkable city, and is a fun-filled family activity whether you are in the parade or a spectator.”

All participants will be entered in a drawing to win free dog food for a year from Pet’s General Store as well as a hand-crafted dog house and other great prizes from pet-loving businesses. Additional raffle tickets may be purchased at the event or before the event at Pet’s General Store, 16821 Madison Avenue, Lakewood, Ohio.

New this year: “Spooky Pooch Coloring Contest”. Coloring picture available for download on-line at www.downtownlakewood.org or at the Lakewood Public Library or Pet’s General Store. Children ages 4-12 are eligible and prizes will be awarded in three age categories (Ages 4-6; Ages 7-9 and Ages 10-12). Coloring pictures to be turned in at LakewoodAlive office, Lakewood Public Library or Pet’s General Store by noon on October 16, 2009 to be considered. Costume prizes will be awarded, raffle prizes drawn and Coloring Contest Winners announced after the parade.

Parade pre-registration costs $10 per dog; $15 registration the day of the parade. Humans are free. Event website for information, forms and on-line pre-registration at www.downtownlakewood.org. Dog registration forms may also be found at the Lakewood Public Library (Main & Madison Branches) and Pet’s General Store.

Registration/check-in begins at 12:30 p.m. at St. Charles Green (behind the parking garage at 1360 Belle Ave.). Cleveland Brown’s Mascot “CHOMPS” will be on hand for pictures and to lead the parade. Vendors, rescue groups and other nonprofits with dog-related goods and services will be set-up at St. Charles Green from 12:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Event sponsors are: Lakewood Hospital, City of Lakewood, Pet’s General Store, Cox Communications & Camp Bow Wow. Proceeds from the parade will benefit Downtown Lakewood revitalization efforts and the Lakewood Animal Shelter.

Downtown Lakewood, dedicated to the revitalization of Lakewood’s historic downtown district, is a volunteer-based program of LakewoodAlive., a 501-c (3) tax-exempt organization.