Category Archives: pets

2019 Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade And Costume Contest

 

Date Of Event: October 12, 2019

Location: Pickering Wharf,  Salem Maritime Museum, 160 Derby St, Salem MA

Summary: over 100 pets met up at the Salem Maritime Museum to show off their costumes and march in the Howl-O-Ween pet parade.

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Halloween isn’t just for humans.  The annual Howl-O-Ween pet parade showed off over 100 of these Halloween pet revelers.

Although I wasn’t able to get all of the participants names and breeds.  Below is a sample of some of the participants:

Pepper, Millie, Hobs and Rocky (all chihuahuas) were the three Musketeers and fun sized Musketeer.

Sadie, dressed as Jason Doghees I mean Vorhees, is a 12 year old Peekapoo.

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Lucy, 1 year old Puggle, was a roaring lion.  Lucy is a rescue from the Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem, MA.  She was saved from one of the storms that recently hit Florida.

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Ralph, a Jack Russell and Mini Pinscher rescue, was a cute little pineapple.

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Triskit, a 3 year old chihuahua, was a parrot.

Buddy (on the left), a 8 year old chihuahua, was a lumberjack.  Pixie, dressed as Babe The Blue Ox (on the right), is a 6 year old chihuahua.

 

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One year old Penny Liu was dressed as a Chinese Mandarin.

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Calypso was an angel.

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Winston, a 5 year old Corgi, was dressed as Paddington.

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Reecey, a 13 year old half border, half husky mix, was dressed as a mutant ninja turtle.

 

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Olive, a 4 year old feist mix, was a bumble bee.

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Ziggy was dressed as Mr. Spock.  Live long and prosper Ziggy!

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Oso had a very special delivery for everyone!

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Jasper, a 2 and a half year old mixed breed, was a zebra.

“Sweep the leg!”  Dexter, dressed as Johnny from Cobra Kai and Oliver, dressed as “Daniel son” from Miyagi-Do.  They are both 4 year old French Bulldogs.

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Hazel (on the left) was dressed as a peacock.  Molly (on the right) was dressed as Cleopatra.

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Grayson was dressed as Lucy.

 

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Twix, the cowgirl, is an 11 month old Dalmatian.

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Opal, a 9 month old husky mix, was dressed as Hermione Granger.
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Benji, 10 years old, was dressed as Batman.

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Remus, a 4 month old mixed Lab, was dressed as Luigi.  If you watch the video of the pet parade below you may see his mom and dad dressed as Mario and the Princess from Super Mario World.

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Henry, a 2 year old, King Charles Cavalier, was dressed as a Cavalier.

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Seba the lion is a 4 year old Lab.

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The acrobatic Tilda was dressed as a ballerina.

Nissan (on the left) was dressed as Princess Leia.  Sirius (on the right) was dressed as Yoda.  They are both terrier mix shelter dogs.

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Hunter, a 5 year old rescue lab, was dressed as a skunk.

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Sequoia, a 3 year old cattle mix, was dressed as a blowfish.

The pet parents also got into the spirit of the event.

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Daisy and her mom were dressed as the Little Mermaid and Ursula.

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Nala and her family were the “udderly spectacular” cow family.

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Walt was dressed as Flounder with the Little Mermaid.

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Dumbo was dressed as an alligator.

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Brady and the rest of the family were dressed as Abu with Aladdin and Family

Not all of the pets at the parade were dogs, though.

There was this chicken.

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There were also these two very brave cats.

Scout was dressed as Peter Pan’s shadow.

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and this cat/lion hybrid!

Strider, a 10 year old fancy bearded dragon, was dressed as a clarinet.

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Unfortunately, I was unable to get the names of these cute pets below.

Although they looked great and the main point of the event was to have fun.  There were awards for best overall costume, most creative and the best costume with people.  Some of the winners of the costume contest were:

Ruby the Racehorse, a 2 year old pointer mix, won for best pet with humans.

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Adelphie, dressed as a time traveler’s backpack, won for most creative.

Butterscotch, dressed as spaghetti and meatballs, also won a pet with humans award. It wasn’t until later when they received their award did I notice the Lady and the Tramp tie in.

Nellie, dressed as a pin cushion, won for best overall costume.

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Last, but certainly not least, Tilda, 5 years old, was the Grand Marshall of the event!

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There was also a pet parade where all of the contestants could show off their costumes.  All of the more than 100 contestants and their parents or friends marched in the parade.


2016 Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade

Date Of Event: October 2, 2016 (it is usually held every year during the first Sunday in October)

Location: 32 Derby Square (off Essex St), Salem, MA

Cost: Free (there may have been a registration fee if your pet participated in the event)

Hours: October 2,  1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Parking: Serby Square and the surrounding area are pedestrian friendly, walking areas.  cars are not allowed in this area.  You need to park in a garage or find off street parking.  There are two main parking garages on New Liberty St and Congress St within walking distance and there is metered off street parking.

Highlights: pets…in costumes!

Web Site: 2nd Annual Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade

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Just when you thought Halloween couldn’t be any more fun, Salem Main Streets, working with a variety of local businesses and organizations, held the 2nd annual Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade.

The first pet parade was such a success they moved it from Artists’ Row to Derby Square.  Having attended the first Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade, I think this was a good call.  The other venue was too narrow and there didn’t seem to be enoug room for everyone to roam freely.  Derby Square had more room but it also became crowded as well.  Everyone loves a pet parade I guess.

There were a variety of dogs in a variety of costumes.

The group of dogs pictured above were, of course, The Scarecrow, Dorothy, the Lion and the Tin Man.  They also brought a yellow brick road which the Scarecrow and Dorothy are sitting on.

Here are some of my favorite dogs and their costumes from the day.

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The force was with this 4 month old Lab who was dressed as Bark Vader.

dsc_0507Aye Matey!  Lady is a 10 year old Chihuahua.

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As if she wasn’t cute enough already, Alexsei, an 8 year old Jack Russell Terrier, was dressed as a koala.

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I’ve heard of dogfish sharks but this takes the cake.  Willie, a 5 year old mutt, is a rescue.

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Samie is a 6 year old Greyhound.

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Blitzen, dressed as a purple monster, is a 1 year old Belgian Malinois (pronounced “mal-in-wah”).  Yes, he’s 1 year old!

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Mickey, I mean Riley, is a 2 year old Lab mix.  I dare you to say “No” to that face.

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Here comes the bride Persephone (the name of the daughter of Zeus), a 10 year old Golden Doodle.

Daisy the Lobster is a 2 and a half year old dog.  Her mom isn’t sure of her breed. She is a rescue from Puerto Rico.

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There were so many cute dogs at the pet parade.  I was unable to get all of their names and breeds but I was able to photograph a lot of them.

There were actually a few very brave cats dressed as Dr Seuss characters at the parade.

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The SalemSaurus T Rex also showed up with his own dog.

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Even if they weren’t dressed in a costume, they were still cute.  Lucy, a 14 year old Chow and Golden mix, just came by to hang out and watch the other dogs.

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We also saw a family of bulldogs on the way to the event.

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Below is a video of the pet parade.

Similar Events I Have Attended In New England:

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2015 Salem Pet Parade

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Dorrs Pond (Manchester, NH)

Date Visited: August 7, 2016

Location: Dorrs Pond is part of Livingston Park which is located at 244 Hookset Rd, Manchester, NH (off Daniel Webster Highway)

Hours: Open 24 hours (use your best judgment if you go at nighttime)

Cost: Free

Parking:  There are about 70 or so parking spots by Dorrs Pond.  There is also additional parking by the play area and field by Livingston Park.

Dog Friendly: Yes

Size: 1.2 mile loop with some short side trails.

Time To Allot For Visit: 1 or 2 hours

Fun For One: Yes

Highlights: abundant wildlife, popular trails for runner, cyclists and walkers, pretty views, very well maintained, benches for sitting, skating on the pond during the winter

Lowlights: short loop (only 1.2 mile) so many runners have to complete the loop several times to get a good workout, some side trails end abruptly at parking lots or just stop without going anywhere

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Once an artificial pond to serve the people of Manchester, Dorrs Pond now serves a scenic retreat for cyclists, runners, nature lovers and dogs.

“hidden gem” is a phrase that gets thrown around a lot.  But, the photos below will show how this description is apt for Dorrs Pond.  In fact, I, and many people I talked to about it, had never been to this pond or ever even heard about before I went there.

One of the great things about Dorrs Pond is it is not a particularly difficult trail.  The trails are Dorrs Pond are pretty level with a few small inclines

The views at Dorrs Pond are beautiful.  Vivid greens and a variety of green, purple and other vibrant colors dot the landscape.

One of the best parts of Dorrs Pond is the wildlife.  There is a variety of birds, amphibians and other animals at the pond.

I also found this interesting shelter.  Unfortunately, no one was home.

During the winter, skating is allowed on the pond.  Also, there is a play area, playing field, restrooms and pool for children (and some adults) in addition to Dorrs Pond at Livingston Park.

Doors Pond is a great place to bring your dog.  The trail is not too long and the inclines are not very steep.  And it was a perfect day for taking your pooch out for a stroll.  I saw lots of dogs at Dorrs Pond.  Here are a few of the cute dogs at the park Sunday:

Katie, a 9 month old German Shepherd.

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Finley, a Cavachon who will be 2 in September

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Reagan, a 4 month old Golden Retriever

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and Jackson, a 2 year old Basenji Greyhound.

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Similar Places In New England I Have Visited:

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Ames Nowell State Park

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Cutler Park

 

 


New England Morgan Horse Show (Northampton, MA)

Dates Of Event: July 26-30, 2016

Location: Three County Fairgrounds, 54 Fair St, Northampton, MA

Hours:  The day I went there was an all day event, climaxing in a celebratory event in the evening at he fairgrounds.  The events began at 10.

Cost: Free

Parking: There is a free parking lot across the way from the fairgrounds which holds about 40-50 cars.

Dog Friendly: Yes

Fun For One: Not so much, unless you really love horses

Highlights: horses, competitions, skilled riders of all ages

Lowlights: lack of concession stands, seating for most spectators is not close to the riding area (you can stand at the fence to watch though)

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Every year, the New England Morgan Horse Association holds a special event to display the best riders in their organization (some come as far as Idaho and even farther away).  The 5 day event displays riders of every age group and skill set.  While the youngest riders stick to walking and a light trot, some of the more experienced riders showed off their advanced skill sets like this harness rider.

The poise and skills of all of the riders in every age group was remarkable.  Just watching children smiling and having a fun time while riding such powerful and majestic animals was impressive.  I felt a surge of pride for these kids I didn’t even know!

One class of riders was as young as 11 and under.  But, they were great.  At their ages, I was riding the coin operated horses outside of the department stores at the mall.  Something I was not aware of is the riders will often make “clicking” or “kissing”sounds to communicate with the horse.

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We could not stay for the all day event.  But, the two hours we spent was jam packed with competitions, shows and riders trotting with their horses.

I didn’t see much along the lines of concession stands, except for a lemonade truck.  But, since it is a free event, you could leave to get lunch at one of the many fine dining establishments in the Northampton area (try Jake’s or Sylvester’s) and re-enter at your leisure.

One of the great things about the event was the attire of the riders.  From the glitzy too the more traditional, they all looked great.

And yes, they even let dogs into the event.  In fact, I saw quite a few dogs at the horse show like Rylee, a 5 year old flat coated retriever.

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And Annie, a Jack Russell mix.  Annie’s mom saved her at a rescue shelter.

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Similar Events In New England I Have Been To:

None

Similar Events In New England I Have Not Been To Yet:

Arabian Horse Association Of New England

Equine Affair

 

 

 


Mom’s House (Western MA)

As the year draws to an end I thought I would share some of the photos  taken from my mother’s house throughout the year.  Since she lives in an area that used to be farmland there are a lot of wooded areas that attract a variety of wildlife.  She also has a couple of bird feeders that attract birds of all types.  There are many other animals in the area over the years that I have heard or seen but not photographed such as deer, a horse, cows, mountain lions and reportedly even bears.

Check out the slideshow below to see some of the friends that have visited us this past year.  My cat, Bailey, is included in the slideshow.  I always bring her when I visit.

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I always like investigating the area when I visit for the holidays and long weekends.  I’ve always thought it would be a great place to retire.  The storms and sunsets can be jaw dropping.

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There are also a variety of plants, flowers and trees in her yard.

Have a happy, healthy and productive 2016!

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The Dogs And A Few Cats Of 2015 (All Over New England)

A whole year.  One whole year of dog photos.

When I first started my blog my intention was to photograph and create a journal of my trips in the New England area.  It wasn’t until I went on my first photography shoot that I realized just how proud people are of their pets.  And they should be.   In fact, the only thing cuter than the dogs I have photographed is the reaction of the owners when I ask them if I can photograph their pooch.  They are most often thrilled or at least flattered.  Only one person has declined to let me photograph their dog and that was because the person I asked was walking someone else’s dog.

So, please enjoy the dogs of 2015.  I look forward to photographing many more in 20116!

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Boston Common (Boston, MA)

The only thing missing from the holiday display at Boston Common is a fresh layer of snowy ground covering.

I’m still getting the hang of my long time nemesis: night time photography.  So, some photos are a bit grainy or blurry.

The Menorah was lit today (Sunday) as Hanukkah began today.  It was not lit during my visit Friday night.

Boston Common has become a family friendly spot for people of all ages to enjoy.  The Tadpole Playground is a fairly new addition to the Common.

The Frog Pond is iced over during the winter for skaters young and old, and of various skating ability.

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the zamboni’s coming right at us!

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More pretty decorations and lights

There’s not a shortage of things to get even the Scroogiest folks in the holiday spirit.

The Prudential Tower is visible from the Boston Common.  Each day in December they are lighting the top of the tower in the colors associated with a different charitable cause, as part of their 31 nights of lights.  The night I went they were recognizing the Catching Joy organization.  Lucky for us, the charity’s logo has a variety of colors in their name.  My photo is a little blurry but I am posting a video of the tower’s lights changing colors below.

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The State House, located just behind the Boston Common, is also decorated for the holiday.

Lilly and Cameron (left to right) were both in the holiday spirit

To get a better sense of the fun that can be had at Boston Common, especially this time of the year, click on the videos below.  Someone interrupted my video recording to ask for directions in the first video ( :

 


Bear Hole Watershed (West Springfield, MA)

Bear Hole is not just a name give to the much traveled reservoir in West Springfield.

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Tales of bear, deer and other animals have been told from many visitors at the park.

I didn’t see any bear, though.  I only met the occasional dog (from top left to right Figueroa, Lily, Jyp, bottom from left to right Oreo and Connor)

and owl

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The main attraction at Bear Hole is the waterfall.

and the pond it flows to

The trails are clearly defined (unless you go off trail to get a closer look at the waterfall and pond as I did from time to time).  And runners and cyclists use the trails frequently.

Click below to view the video of the waterfall in all its splendor.

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Howl-O-Ween Costumed Pet Parade (Salem, MA)

Dressing up for Halloween is not just for humans.

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And there were plenty of pets on display Sunday in Salem, Massachusetts, to prove this.

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Sunday, the dogs, and a few cats, took over Salem at the Howl-O-Ween Costumed Pet Parade.

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The costumes ranged from the scary, like this dog bone skeleton

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and this shark

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to the funny like this pooch dressed as Beetlejuice.

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In fact, a lot of animals dressed up as other animals and insects.  Like these bees

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and these bat dogs

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or this elephant

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There were also an octopus, lobsters, a spider and even a squirrel riding a dog.

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Some dogs decided to dress more like humans like Sherlock Bones.
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and this working class dog

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Some dogs wore more creative costumes, like this Chia-pet

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and this wolf in sheep clothes

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and Goldilocks

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And for those of you who thought dinosaurs were extinct, think again

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There were also a number of pets dressed as fictional characters such as Chewbacca and Superman/woman (with a tutu no less) and a super hero.

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Sleeping beauty was also at the parade.

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And of course, what would a Howl-O-Ween parade be without a witch?

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There were also some sports themed costumes

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And some food themed costumes like these hot dogs and taco

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Dogs were not the only participants.  There were these two brave cats.  One was dressed as a sailor and the other cat, Briggs, was just a spectator

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Although all the participants were winners winners, the prize for best overall costume went to “Max” from the his “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” outfit.

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