Howl'ween is coming....this Sunday!

The Third Annual Howl'ween Dog Costume Contest and Vendor Fair is set to go this Sunday at the Parlee's Corn Maze (end of Pine Hill Rd, at Galloway Rd) from 11AM-3PM.

Vendors this year are widely varied, which will make for some interesting dog-themed vendor spaces. Included in this year's array:  Chelmsford Animal Hospital, Chelmsford Agway, Countryside Veterinary Hospital, Rub My Belly Massage, German Shepherd Rescue of New England, WelcomeDog, Lowell Humane Society, Bark Avenue, Tastefully Simple, Scentsy Candles, Velata Fondues, Lia Sophia, Mary Kay, Bracelet Boutique, Blue Rose Handcrafts and Shane's Antibullying Program. Bring your shopping bags-the holiday season is approaching fast. Where else can you go shopping with your dog?

Tunes will be provided by Chelmsford's own DJ-Hendo Solo. He sings some of the songs himself, and does a very nice rendition of Roger Daltry. He will also be announcing door prizes every 15-20 minutes.

Officer Dave Leo and his newest canine officer, Flacco have promised to make an appearance, provided they aren't called out on an emergency.

Lunch this year is being expanded courtesy of Kristin Rotondo, who will provide sausage, peppers and onions, chili, and chowder and burgers in addition to our usual hotdogs, chips and soda. We will also have coffee, tea, cocoa and cider and baked goods for those who enjoy a light, late breakfast.

There will be many items to bid on in our Silent Auction-including assorted baskets donated by our vendors, a Vera Bradley Bag, a set of baseball cards, homemade preserves and more. The CDA will have for sale its T-shirts, sweatshirts and golf shirts, dog beds, Christmas toys and bones and other things.

Also new this year is a coloring contest for the kids. There will be four winners, one in each of 4 categories. The coloring sheet and rules are attached here for easy downloading.

Trophies will be given out for Best Kisser, Best Trick, Best Wag/Swishiest Butt, Biggest Drooler, Fanciest Collar, Best Mixed Breed (Heinz), Best Shelter Dog, Biggest Dog, Smallest Dog, Long Distance Award (for whoever travelled the furthest to come to the Show-last year's winner came from New York), Best Dog Costume, Best Dog & Owner Costume, the People's Choice Award and the Vendor Award for the Cleverest Dog Theme.

General Admission is free. Costume Contest fees are $2.00/category, 3 categories for $5.00. All Proceeds will benefit the Chelmsford Dog Association in their continuing work to build and maintain a future Dog Park in Chelmsford.

Planning is ongoing for a potential 2-acre park at what is now the DPW site on Richardson Rd. As we rely solely on volunteers, this is taking some time to get all the details in place. We hope to have a visual rendering of it in the next couple of months.