Wagging tails steal the show at Old Mill District’s Halloween Pet Costume Contest

BEND, Ore. {KTVZ} -- The Old Mill District was buzzing with Halloween excitement Friday evening as pets of all shapes, sizes, and species took center stage for the annual Halloween Pet Costume Contest. Hosted by the Humane Society of Central Oregon, the event turned Center Plaza by the walking bridge into a festive parade of paws and creativity.

From 4 to 7 PM, families, friends, and their furry companions showed off their Halloween spirit with costumes that ranged from spooky to downright silly. Cats, dogs, and even a few more unusual pets strutted the plaza runway, drawing laughs and cheers from the crowd.

The contest’s top prize went to a family of four and their enthusiastic dog for their themed group entry titled “The Wagon Train.” Their clever collaboration rolled into first place, earning them Old Mill District Gift Cards and plenty of applause from spectators.

While the costume contest was the highlight of the evening, it was part of a larger district-wide celebration. Trick-or-treating at local shops, Halloween-themed art projects, and the popular “witches’ paddle” on the Deschutes River added even more magic to the night.

With costumes, candy, and a whole lot of wagging tails, the Old Mill District once again proved that Halloween fun in Bend isn’t just for humans.