Story and photos by Susan Meeker
COLUSA, CA (MPG) – The fifth annual Puptoberfest on Saturday was a fundraising success for Friends of the Colusa County Animal Shelter.
More dogs were decked out in Halloween costumes than ever before and were paraded
the Fifth Annual Puptoberfest in Colusa on Oct. 28, 2023.
before judges by their owners, most of whom were also in costume.
Dogs were dressed as peacocks, superheroes, hot dogs, cowboys, butterflies, bumblebees, bank robbers, and a host of other colorful characters.
Derek Lopez was dressed as a gorilla with his chihuahua “Killer,” dressed as a banana, to win most original costume.
But it was everyone’s favorite Colusa shelter rescue, Kermit, a bulldog, dressed as a lobster, who earned the prize for being the funniest after jumping in and out of a cooking pot in front of the judges. Mandy, a black lab dressed in Steam Punk, won for most Halloweeniest. Pickles, a chihuahua, dressed as a pumpkin, as did her human, Laura
Park in Colusa on Saturday.
Grimm, earing the duo a prize for best dog and human combo. A beautiful spindly-legged hound named Bruno, dressed as a bank robber, won an on-the-spot prize from the judges as the best criminal.
The Best of Show went to the Boes Family Circus, as Kent and Haley Boes, carrying newborn Hudson Jefferson Boes, dressed as the circus ringmaster, pulled a cage carrying crowd favorite Harvey, a bulldog, dressed as a lion.
Dogs that were rescued from shelters received special recognition.
Puptoberfest, founded and organized by Molly Conrado and FOCCAS volunteers, 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 need forever homes.
“All the proceeds from this event go to FOCCAS,” said Animal Control Officer Jenna Lambgino, who served as master of ceremonies.
Puptoberfest included a large raffle, vendors, crafts, lawn games, and a hot dog lunch, which was provided at no charge by the Colusa Lions Club.
Puptoberfest raised $3,338 for the care of shelter animals, down from the overall record of $3,756 in 2022, according to FOCCAS volunteer Pam Dagrossa.