Attendees Enjoyed Glow-in-the-Dark Activities at Palmetto Bay Park on October 19. Costume Contests, Live Entertainment, Trick-or-Treating, and More to Raise Funds for South Florida’s Most Loved Animal Rescue
The 14th annual HOWLOWEEN Festival, hosted by PAWS4you, successfully took place this past Saturday, October 19, at Palmetto Bay Park from 6-10 p.m. The event drew an impressive crowd of families and their furry friends, who enjoyed a glow-in-the-dark evening filled with festive activities, costume contests, live entertainment, and much more. Miami attorney, host, and business leader Lauren Marsicano emceed the event, delighting the audience throughout the night.
The festival partnered with local rescue organizations including Cat Network, This is the Dog, K9 Counseling Dogs, and Custom and Border Protection Agriculture K9 program, reinforcing PAWS4you’s commitment to animal welfare.
Festival sponsors included Palmetto Bay, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Daniella Cohen Higgins of District 8, Life Time, School of Rock, Walker & O’Neill, Jersey Mike’s Subs, The Dog From Ipanema, TD Bank, Anthony R. Abraham Foundation, “Panter, Panter & Sampedro,” Alza Tequila Soda, Dream Vacations, Gameday Concierge, Tito’s, Total Wine and More, Pet Care Now, Equipaws Pet Services, Press Concepts, Tempros, Wawa, Friendly Critters Club, Aquatic Consultants, Thrive, The Knotty Dawg, and Doggie Bag Cafe. Additional entries not included in the provided order are Rescue Metal Framing, Kelly’s Goodies, Avocado Sunsets, Anheuser-Busch and Eagle Brands Sales. To view all the sponsors, please visit the PAWS4you website.
Highlights of the 2024 HOWLOWEEN Festival Included:
- Costume Contests: The doggie costume contest was a tremendous success, attracting a large audience and enthusiastic participation. Notable community members, Mallow the Frenchie (@MallowFrenchie) and Board Member David Sampedro, served as judges alongside others. The contest, which began promptly at 8:00 PM, featured fantastic prizes for the winners.
- Doggie Agility Course: Dogs raced through an obstacle course for “Scooby Snacks,” displaying their speed and agility.
- Live Entertainment: Performances included the School of Rock, a demonstration from the Custom and Border Protection Agriculture K9 program, a Parade of PAWS Pups, the highly anticipated Costume Contest and a DJ Dance Party. Life Time also held a Yoga Rave as well as other fun activities for the kids.
- Trick-or-Treating & Activities: Kids and pets enjoyed trick-or-treating, games and crafts. Attendees also met PAWS4you’s rescue dogs, learning more about the organization’s mission to find forever homes for animals in need.
- Vendor Village: Over 40 vendors, aligned with the PAWS4you message, offered food, drinks, and specialty items. The beer and wine bars raised funds to benefit PAWS4you.
The event had a positive, family-friendly atmosphere, with hundreds of attendees participating in the fun. The photobooth was particularly popular, creating cherished family memories. Eventbrite ticket sales directly supported PAWS4you’s rescue efforts.
About PAWS4you Rescue:
PAWS4you Rescue, Inc. is a non-profit, volunteer-based animal rescue organization based in Miami, Florida. The organization is committed to saving animals from the threat of euthanasia and finding them loving homes. For more information, visit PAWS4you.org
