Autism Dog Services (ADS) will be hosting its inaugural Howl-O-Ween Pawty at the Children’s Safety Village of Brant on Sunday, October 15, 2023.
Families and their pups are invited to dress up in their costumes and partake in trick-or-treating, contests and other spook-tacular activities during the dog friendly event.
Adele Alfano, Fund Development Manager for ADS, said that youngsters will have plenty to explore and interact with throughout the village, including Brantford Bulldogs mascot Bruiser, and the Brantford Fire Department.
“We will have lots to see and do for the kids. We have a petting zoo from Touchstone Farms, a large photo booth where people can dress up in different photo booth accessories, and Joan Minery and her children’s singing group will be there to lead the kids in line dancing routines,” she said. “The Ancaster Optimist food truck will also be there selling hamburgers, hotdogs and cold drinks, and for the adults, we also have a 50/50 draw and a silent auction with nearly 25 items to bid on as well.”
In addition to all of that, the day will feature a people and pets costume parade around noon where winners will be chosen for best person costume, best dog costume and best pair costume.
Fifteen vendors will also be present along the village’s sidewalk selling goods and handing out both candies and dog treats to visitors.
The fundraising event is being held to raise awareness about ADS and all proceeds will go towards the non-profit organization.
“It has been a tough time for charities and we are no different,” said Vicky Spadoni, Executive Director for ADS. “We do not charge a fee for our service dogs although they are valued at $25,000 to $30,000 and we receive no government funding.”
The event will run from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and the price of admission is a cash donation towards ADS.
Alfano said that this is the first public event they have hosted since the pandemic and that her and the team are looking forward to an eventful day.
“We’re really excited to get back into everything,” she said. “It’s going to be a great opportunity for everybody to come out, enjoy themselves and mingle with others.”
Kimberly De Jong’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at kimberly.dejong@brantbeacon.ca.