Pooches To Parade Through Long Branch This Weekend

Brighton Avenue is a center for several great businesses in Long Branch, and on Oct. 1, it will also be the place to be for dogs and their owners.

The Greater Long Branch Chamber of Commerce is hosting the third annual Long Branch Block Party and Pooch Parade, on Saturday, Oct. 1.

Brighton Avenue, between Ocean Boulevard and Second Avenue, will be closed from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to accommodate parade-goers.

Local restaurants, crafters will be on hand and there will also be children’s activities including bounce houses and fire truck rides courtesy of the Long Branch Fire Department. Children will also get a chance to climb aboard the trucks for the first time this year.

The Pooch Parade is a large part of the day as well as scarecrow building, pumpkin painting and a pie-eating contest.

The event is co-sponsored by the Greater Long Branch Chamber of Commerce, the City of Long Branch Office of Community and Economic Development, Monmouth Medical Center and Staybridge Suites. 

The chairs of the event are Sam Nativo of MIX and Susie Woolley of the Greater Long Branch Chamber of Commerce.

Those who would like their dogs to participate in the parade should contact the chamber office at 732-222-0400 or visit the office at 228 Broadway to receive an application. There is a $5 fee for the each dog, and all the proceeds are being donated to the Monmouth County SPCA.

The Pooch Parade is set for 1 p.m. in West End Park with line-up at 12 :30 p.m. on Brighton Court. Judging categories will include Funniest, Best Look-alike Owner and Dog and Best Overall Costume. All dogs must be leashed.   

The pie-eating contest will be held at 2:30 p.m. under the gazebo in West End Park. The contest is open to anyone over 18, and all contestants must sign a waiver.

John Siciliano of Oakhurst has won the event the last two years and will be back to defend his title.

The Amerigo Vespucci Society will also be conducting a bocce tournament at the event.  

A basket of gift cards and items from local businesses will be raffled off during the event, and all proceeds will donated to the Children’s Hospital of Monmouth Medical Center. Crafter applications are available at the chamber office. 

Patch will be there giving out prizes and mingling with the community, so make sure you stop over and say hello! We will be collecting donations for the Ronald McDonald House of Long Branch and anybody who donates will get a prize!