It's that Doggie Costume Contest time of the year!

We've got 3 fun events coming up with your pooches: Doggone It to Summer, Howl'oween, and National Pit Bull Awareness Day!  They are right around the corner, so hurry with those costume ideas.  Also, yours truly will be judging at the Doggone it to Summer Festival.  I like creative costumes, just thought you might like to know.  :o)   Don't forget to pick up your produce and other tasty treats while you're at the Farmer's Market.

SATURDAY, October 24, STORY/PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

Doggone it to Summer Festival featuring Dog Parade and Costume Contest

Bring your dog with you to Austin Farmers' Market on October 24th!

Doggone it to Summer Festival
October 24, 2009
10:00am - Dog Parade and Costume Contest
Austin Farmers' Market downtown at Republic Square Park, 4th and Guadalupe
Free parking is available in the state garage at 3rd and San Antonio

Dogs do not need to be in costume to participate in the parade at 10am, but if they are, they'll have a shot at winning one of the three categories: Most "Look-Alike" (Dog & Owner), Weirdest and Best Overall.

Doggie "Happy Hour" will follow the parade, featuring hand-made dog biscuits and cupcakes from Austin Farmers' Market's own Paw Bakery. Lucky Draw - Limit One Entry Per Dog - for a free 6-inch birthday cake on winning dog's next birthday, baked to order and fresh to the bones!

Austin Farmers' Market is a project of Sustainable Food Center. It runs year-round on Saturdays at Republic Square Park, 4th and Guadalupe from 8am - 12pm through daylight savings time in Oct., and from 9am – 1pm through daylight savings time change in March 2010. Also, Wednesdays at Triangle Park, 4600 Guadalupe at 46th and Lamar from 4pm - 8pm through daylight savings time in Oct., and from 3pm - 7pm through daylight savings time change in March. Free parking is available in covered garages and along the streets at both locations immediately adjacent to the market.

National Pit Bull Awareness Weekend Oct 24-25th

Please join Love-A-Bull in welcoming Best Friends Animal Sanctuary’s famous dog handler John Garcia to Austin on the weekend of October 24-25, 2009, to participate in a weekend of family-friendly events in Austin.
John is nationally known for working extensively to rehabilitate 22 of the 49 dogs (now affectionately referred to as the “Vicktory Dogs”) seized from the bust of the Michael Vick/Bad Newz Kennels dog fighting ring. He is best known for his work and public appearances with Georgia, a sweet, 7-year old toothless female pit bull who, despite being a victim of cruelty and abuse, responds with love to all she meets.
The weekend will feature these FREE events:

A Family Fun Day with John Garcia
October 24, 5 PM – 9 PM at Zilker Hillside Theater
Free to the public! Dogs on leash are welcome. Chairs are not permitted, but blankets or towels are encouraged.
This fun-filled evening of activities will include:

• A public screening of National Geographic Channel’s “Dog Town,” including footage of John working with the Vicktory Dogs at Best Friends (begins at 7:30 PM).
• Autographs with John Garcia
• Games and crafts, including: henna tattoos, face painting, balloon animals, bandanna painting
• Under Pressure t-shirt silk screening
• Pumpkin patch photo booth
• Dunk tank
• Raffle
• Refreshments: Amy’s Ice Cream, Aloha Sno-Cones and Waffles, Zuzu’s tacos, Sweet Leaf tea
• Pick the Pit Bull game, trivia, and prize giveaways
• Information and adoptable pets from Emancipet, Happy Endings, Town Lake Animal Center, Best Friends, and Reunion Rescue
• Booths featuring Training by Tara and Haute Dog Magazine

A Downtown Pet Parade and Costume Contest, led by John Garcia
October 25, 2 PM at Austin City Hall
Free to the public! Bring your leashed loved ones and the whole family for this walk through downtown. Austin Java and Lofty Dog will provide rest stops, and there will be prizes for best human and dog costumes!  Free Parking in the City Hall Garage (entrance on Lavaca).

I don't have more info on the Howl'oween event that isn't on the flyer, but it does look like fun!Click on photo for larger version.