Battle Ground played host to a shark, an escaped jail inmate, an award-winning racehorse and a beloved cartoon character last Thursday.
The characters were all dogs who masqueraded during a new event that celebrated Halloween in the city.
At the Battle Ground Community Center, more than two dozen dogs showed off their costumes as part of the city’s first “Pooch Parade.” A panel of local dignitaries, which included current and past mayors, judged the remarkably well-behaved animals, bedecked in outfits.
More than two dozen dogs showed up in costumes, Battle Ground Recreation and Facilities Manager Kim Cederholm said. They were judged on their application of costumes by prominent members of Battle Ground’s community, including current mayor Philip Johnson.
“It was kind of ruff,” Johnson said.
In the spirit of the event, both Johnson and Frank Dowdy, the master of ceremonies, were full of dog-based puns.
Johnson said the ingenuity of the costumes surpassed anything he expected prior to the competition.
“It really is shocking how people can come up with such things for their dogs,” Johnson said.
Though he doesn’t currently own a dog, Johnson expressed an affinity for canines, which made him accept the offer to vote all the more easier.
“I’m a dog person. I love cute dogs, I like all dogs,” Johnson said.
Although a “mayor’s choice” award was not among the recognitions that was officially given out, Johnson said he was partial to Otto and his racehorse-themed costume.
“The Kentucky Derby dog. Well thought out,” Johnson said.
Though the city is most known for its Trick or Treat Trail event along Main Street during Halloween, Johnson said the dog show was a welcome addition.
“For the last two years, we all sat at home. Let’s get out,” Johnson said. “This is just a wonderful event to bring people out and everyone loves dogs.”
Battle Ground Spokesperson Alisha Smith recounted “the smiles and the laughter” experienced by all of the attendees. She particularly remembered Max, a Great Dane and likely the largest dog in attendance, who was judged right before one of the smallest dogs in the Pooch Parade.
“That was the best part for me,” Smith said.
She said the dog show aimed to increase community spirit.
“That was definitely something that we wanted to bring out, a new flavor,” Smith said. “It always had that spirit for me, and I think events like this help bring our community together.”
Cederholm said the turnout of 25 dogs was better than expected. Like Smith, she said Max and his play on a popular franchise was a standout. He was dressed up as Shaggy, while his boy, Jeremy, wore a Scooby Doo suit.
“Scooby kinda took the show for me,” Cederholm said.
Battle Ground Recreational and Facilities Coordinator Heather Marini said the prior success of other Halloween events led to the desire to build on what that city offers to community members.
“There is such a community of dog lovers around here. … Why not have something for them?” Marini said.
