Howl-O-Ween Contest has Tails Wagging

VENTURA, Calif. (KEYT) The annual Howl-O-Ween dog costume contest had tails wagging.

Each year dozens of dogs parade around in costumes on the lawn in the Ventura Harbor Village.

This year more than 70 dog lovers were entered and appeared to get along.

Hundreds of pet lovers watched and applauded their favorites.

Home-made costumes impressed the judges.

Judges gave awards for Spookiest, Most Sea Worthy, Most Creative, Best of Show and Most On Trend.

Best of Show winner Samantha Gonzalez, of Oxnard, defended her title with her dog Ketut.

Last year she the Invisible Man and dog, this year her dog had its head on a platter.

"This is Ketut, he doesn't really like the table, but he is being a good sport, yeah, we just had fun this year, and last year, too, and it was a good turnout and everybody looked great," said Gonzalez.

Catherine Cox and her dog Betty Rose have won or been runner-up in the On Trend category year after year.

This year Cox dressed Betty Rose as the late Dolly Parton with pink painted nails and a guitar.

Cox, of Ventura, dressed as Jane Fonda from the movie "9 to 5" and her friend dressed as Lily Tomlin.

Ventura Pet Barn was the main sponsor.

Judges awarded goodie bags to all the dogs that included pup cream from Coastal Cone and Howies Natural Dog Treats.

Winners won gift cards and dog bones.

Ventura Harbor Village has a number of other Halloween events coming up including a Witches Paddle and Trick Or Treat on Friday Oct. 30, starting at 4 p.m.

For more information visit https://venturaharborvillage.com