Puptown

Howl-O-Ween 2007

Join us for the annual Puptown Party & Costume Contest, Saturday, Oct. 27 at 2 p.m. (rain date: Oct. 28)

Everything you need to know about the contest, the raffle and the silent auction can be found below this awesome poster, designed by P-DOG member Eric Wagner. Click for a larger version, or view it at Puptown!

Let's start by introducing our special guest, Steve Dale, host of "Pet Central" on WGN Radio and author of the syndicated newspaper column "My Pet World" (Tribune Media Services). Steve will be on hand to answer your questions and maybe draw a raffle prize or two ...

Speaking of prizes, dozens of pet shops, restaurants and area businesses have donated gift certificates and some incredible packages, so don't forget to buy your raffle tickets! (All prizes listed after the jump.)

Raffle tickets are $5/each or $20/five tickets and will be sold during Howl-O-Ween and at the park on weekends leading up to the event. To sell tickets or to buy in bulk, contact John Lenti: info@puptown.org

Is your dog showing up in costume? Click here (PDF) to print a contest registration form to bring the day of the event. Or just show up and register at Puptown between 1 p.m. and 1:45 p.m. Judging begins at 2 p.m.

Registration is free for P-DOG members; $5 for non-members. Not a member? Join now!

• 1st Place Homemade Costume: Collins Canine $100 Gift Certificate for Group Class or Private Training
• 1st Place Store-Bought Costume: Pet Supply and Services Package from 4 Legs, Sam & Willy's and Soggy Paws
• 2nd Place: Sit! Chicago Gift Certificate for Luxury Grooming
• 3rd Place: Bad Dog Tavern $40 Gift Certificate

Check out last year's photos for inspiration!

Esteemed Judges
Janis Taylor, Chicago Park District Planning Coordinator
Jason Heidemann, Chicagoland Tails Executive Editor
Scott Van Der Weele, former president of Puptown Dog Owners Group

Howl-O-Ween Supporters
Special thanks for helping to make Howl-O-Ween an event enjoyed by all:

• Larry Asimow Landscaping, flowers and decorations
• Jennifer and Dave Luth, printing of all promotional materials
• Allen J. Schild ("Chicago's Pet-Friendly Realtor"), treat bags for all dogs
• Tiny Cakes, bakery items for humans with proceeds going to Puptown

If you'd like to donate an item or services, please email John Lenti: info@puptown.org

Continue reading for all the prizes and a sneak peek at the silent auction items ...

Puptown Dog Owners Group: Meeting Oct. 10

The Puptown Dog Owners Group (P-DOG) will meet Wednesday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. at the Margate Field House. The meeting is open to everyone; you don't have to be a member to attend.

In addition to discussing park-related maintenance and other issues, the meeting will focus on two priorities:

- Elections to fill vacant Puptown Advisory Council positions: President and Secretary

- Discuss Puptown's annual Howl-O-Ween, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 27, 2007

Howl-O-Ween is Puptown's biggest annual event and fundraiser. In 2006, dozens of dogs and their owners participated in the costume contest (check out the photos!), with prizes donated by local pet stores and services, as well as by area restaurants and other businesses.

This year, Howl-O-Ween is shaping up to be an even bigger success. Please attend the meeting if you are interested in learning more or volunteering. Here's what's needed:

Before Howl-O-Ween:
- Sell raffle tickets
- Procure donations for raffle and costume prizes
- Procure donations for treat bags
- Help to promote Howl-O-Ween

Day of Event:
- Clean park
- Set up/take down decorations
- Membership table

Can't make the meeting, but want to get involved? We want to hear from you! Email John Lenti at info@Puptown.org. Thanks!