About 100 and their owners gathered on Saturday, October 29, at the town's Park and Bark off-leash dog park at Fairfield Hills to celebrate the canine version of Halloween at an annual event that has come to be known as Howl-O-Ween.

RoseAnn Reggiano, the assistant director for recreation at the town's Parks and Recreation Department, oversaw activities at the midday event that brought together a range of people who have at least one thing in common - their love of dogs.

The canines competed in a variety of contests including Scariest Costume, Most Original Costume, Cutest Costume, K-9/Human Lookalikes, and Best In Show.

Because the facility is fenced, the dogs inside are allowed off their leashes, permitting them to socialize with other dogs more freely than they would be able to otherwise.

Funds raised by the event benefit the dog park, the town's designated area for canine recreation.

Ms Reggiano said October 31 of Howl-O-Ween, "People just love it. They really do. I think it was just great. It was wonderful."

Ms Reggiano said she is especially fond of the lookalike contest, which awards a prize to the dog/owner who are judged to have similar appearances.

Besides a dog parade, the event featured games and raffles.