By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

MT LAUREL—Who said Halloween is just for humans? Your furry friend can join in the fun at the Canine Costume Contest hosted by Lucky Dog Grooming and Boutique on Oct. 17.

The costume contest is an annual tradition at the Mt Laurel Fall Festival, and is a fun way for dogs and their owners to get in the Halloween spirit.

This year’s contest will be run in a pageant style, Lucky Dog co-owner Magan Hall explained. Contestants and their owners will line up at 12:45 p.m. and the contest will begin at 1 p.m.

Fairgoers are invited to watch as dogs and owner parade in front of a panel of three judges selected from the Mt Laurel business community.

“My favorite part is watching the dogs and seeing how excited they get when everyone cheers for them,” Hall said.

Costumes will be evaluated for creativity. Extra points can be gained if a dog performs a trick or if a dog and owner are in coordinating costumes.

First, second and third place winners will be chosen and awarded prizes. First place will receive a $100 Visa gift card, second place will receive a $50 gift certificate to Lucky Dog and third place will receive a $25 gift card to Paw Tree, a pet food company.

“Last year we had about 20 (dog contestants),” Hall said. “I’m hoping to see at least that this year.”

Last year’s Canine Costume Contest saw a number of creative entries, including a butterfly, a cheerleader and a rock star, the winning contestant.

“We had an English bulldog dressed up as a rock star, it was really cool,” Hall said, noting the costume was entirely handmade. “We love to see that because it means the owners took time to make a costume for our contest.”

Registration for the contest opens at 10 a.m. at Lucky Dog’s fair booth, which will be located in front of the store on Olmsted Street. The entry fee is $5 for each contestant.

The Canine Costume Contest benefits the Shelby Humane Society, and “every bit” of money raised from entry fees will go to the organization, Hall said.