While most Halloween events are for human children, Flossmoor made a day for local pets to dress in costume and do some trick or treating in the Pet Parade and third annual Bark or Treat celebration on Oct. 26.
Nearly 40 dogs, and one cat, gathered downtown and started with some trick or treating at local businesses. The village had activities set up on the south lawn of the Flossmoor Public Library, which helped pass the time until the 4 p.m. parade.
Pets and their humans marched from the library south on Sterling Avenue, crossed at Flossmoor Road and then went north to the Flossmoor Station patio and caboose, where DJ Phil Lee was providing music.
Lee also announced the name of each pet who participated in the costume contest, while Flossmoor Mayor Michelle Nelson, Trustee Jim Mitros, dog trainer Jill Sharbono and Flossmoor Station chef Chris Ball judged the entries.
Each participant received a treat, and the winners received prizes provided by Flossmoor Station, Healthy Hounds Canine & Feline Nutrition and the Flossmoor Business Association.
The judges awarded the following honors:
- First place: River Song (dressed as a fiery phoenix).
- Second place: Autumn (dressed as Pennywise).
- Third place: Teddy Marsell (dressed as a pickleball player).
- Best pose: Ali (boxer costume).
- Best human/pet duo: Lucy and Luna (dressed as a taco and a fairy princess along with humans dressed as the Sanderson Sisters).
- Most creative: Peaches and Thumper (dressed as a lion and a tiger).
- Crowd favorite: Fendi and Denim (dressed as Donald and Melania Trump).
