2021 Howl-o-ween Pet Parade to be both in-person and virtual

Salem is going to the dogs (and cats and lizards and bunnies), and we couldn’t be happier about it! Salem Main Streets is very pleased to produce the return of the Howl-o-ween Pet Parade, to be held on Saturday, Oct. 9 at 1 pm on Derby Wharf, Salem Maritime National Historic Site. A virtual contest is being produced by Salem Main Streets in conjunction with Creative Collective for those who are not able to attend in person on Oct. 9th.

Pets of all species are welcome at the parade, but should be well-behaved and comfortable at a busy event where there are likely to be many dogs. Masks are not required but are highly encouraged. The parade is rain or shine.

Salem Main Streets asks all parade participants to register online in advance if possible, with a donation of $5 for Salem residents and $10 for nonresidents. All proceeds go directly to Salem Main Streets in support of special community programs all year round.

Submissions for the virtual contest must be received by the end of day on Saturday, October 9. Voting will occur October 10 through October 17, with awards announced on Monday, October 18. There is a suggested donation of $5 for Salem residents and $10 for non-residents for the online contest, as well. Pets may participate in both the parade and online contest, but must register for each separately.

Online registration for both the parade and virtual contest can be found at www.salemmainstreets.org/howl-o-ween.

The 2021 Howl-o-ween Pet Parade is supported by primary sponsor Wolf Next Door Coffee, as well as a number of downtown businesses, including Coon’s Card & Gift Shop, Koto, The Halloween Museum Salem, Partridge in a Bear Tree, Wicked Good Books, and Black Cat Tours.

Salem Main Streets’ mission is the continued revitalization of downtown Salem as a vibrant, year-round, retail, dining and cultural destination through business retention, recruitment, and promotion of the downtown district. SMS provides direct support to downtown businesses, and produces numerous community events and initiatives throughout the year, including the Salem Farmers’ Market, Salem Arts Festival, Salem’s So Sweet, and the October Information Booth. SMS operates thanks to the generosity and partnership of the City of Salem and Mayor Kimberley Driscoll, Destination Salem, Creative Collective, the Salem Chamber of Commerce, and many other local business sponsors and community volunteers. visit www.salemmainstreets.org for more information.