About 100 dogs and their owners gathered on Halloween for the Sixth Annual Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Party at the town's Park and Bark dog park at Fairfield Hills to celebrate the spooky holiday amid sunny skies and the russet colors of fall.

Dogs within the fenced park are allowed to move without leashes.

As participants entered the grounds, they received a dog neckerchief bearing a colorful Halloween motif.

RoseAnn Reggiano of the town Parks and Recreation Department hosted the event, organizing the dozens of dogs and their owners for rounds of competition in various categories.

Dogs of all shapes and sizes wore a broad range of costumes, which included a piñata, pirate, prisoner, dinosaur, tarantula, skeleton, pope, witch, Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, ballerina, bumble bee, sailor, motorcyclist, pig, and banana, among many others.

Ms Reggiano held competitions for the costumed dogs in the categories of Scariest, Funniest, Most Original, Dog/Owner Look-Alikes, and Best in Show.

A friendly fluffy white Bichon Frise, who wore a purple cape with zebra-stripe trim, plus a purple wide-brimmed hat sporting a white feather, was pulled about in a toy wagon that was decorated as a purple Cadillac by Okie's owner Jody Ferraro. Okie won the Best in Show award for his portrayal of a pimp.

As a prize, Okie received a basketful of dog goodies from the Mt Pleasant Hospital for Animals.

Janice Butler and her father James brought their Wheaten terrier Bailey to the event. Ms Butler discussed the musical significance of the punk rock band known as The Ramones.

Kaki and Fred Taylor also brought their dog, a Great Dane named Madison, to the dog party. Madison is expected to deliver a litter soon. The fawn-colored dog is so imposing that it could be mistaken for a deer from a distance.