Carl Schurz Park Halloween Howl and Healthy Hound Fair Draws Costumed Dogs to NYC's Upper East Side

Carl Schurz Park on the Upper East Side held its annual Halloween Howl & Healthy Hound Fair on Sunday, October 18, from 1 to 3 p.m. The event was organized by the Carl Schurz Park Conservancy, the nonprofit that looks after the park.

The action took place on the basketball/hockey court and along John Finley Walk. According to the Conservancy, more than 200 creatively costumed dogs strutted before a panel of judges drawn from the fashion industry. The organization describes the Howl as its annual dog costume event and one not to be missed. Admission was free.

The same afternoon, from 1 to 3 p.m., the park's Harvest Festival was also under way. A pumpkin patch was set up on Gracie Oval at East End Avenue and East 88th Street, where visitors could pick a pumpkin and decorate it while supplies lasted. The festival also offered arts and crafts, tattoos and a stroll along the Spooky Trail, plus a family concert in the playground by Patrick and the Rock-a-Silly Band. Together the two events made for an easy family outing.

The park sits at East End Avenue and East 86th Street, and John Finley Walk runs along the East River. The Conservancy has been active since 1974 and sponsors free events open to all throughout the year. Still ahead on its calendar are a volunteer work day on Sunday, October 25, and the Holiday Tree Lighting on December 6 at 5 p.m., with carols from the professional choir Cantori New York and the New York Brass Quintet.