The fourth annual Puptoberfest on Saturday was a fundraising success for Friends of the Colusa County Animal Shelter.
More than a dozen dogs were decked out in Halloween costumes and paraded before judges.
Cooper, a Bouvier des Flandres, dressed as a giant tarantula, crept away with the award for best representing Halloween. Dogs that were rescued from shelters received special recognition. Several took home awards for their costumes, including Harvey, a bull dog, who was “udderly” adorable dressed as a cow, and Snowy, a pitbull, who won the most original costume award as a hula dancer.
Puptoberfest is held the Saturday before Halloween each year to educate the public about the Colusa County Animal Shelter and raise money to vaccinate, transport, and provide medical attention to animals housed there, including those who are in need of forever homes.
“All the proceeds from this event go to FOCCAS,” said Animal Control Officer Jenna Lambgino.
Dogs of all breeds and sizes were dressed to the nines. There was a shark, mermaid, dinosaur, rabbit, bumble bee, duck, spider, doctor, panda, hot dog, donut, clown, jester, along with many other dogs that were not dressed in costumes but enjoyed the outing to the park with their owners.
Puptoberfest included free puppuchinos for dogs and cotton candy for humans, along with crafts, lawn games, and a vendor fair. Lunch was provided at no charge by the Colusa Lions Club, although attendees generously donated to FOCCAS to enjoy a hamburger or Polish dog.
“Puptoberfest raised $3,756 in all,” said FOCCAS volunteer Pam Dagrossa. “It’s the most raised at Puptoberfest.”■