As a huge, semi-out of control Halloween fanatic and one of those people that coos at every passing puppy, the Thompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade is one of the highlights of my year. Not only do owners dress their dogs in outrageous and unique costumes in hopes of winning some prizes, but you seriously have no idea how many people do this. Last year, my personal favorite was a pug dressed as a centipede. Mostly it was adorable and hilarious and endearing to watch all the other dogs in tutus and devil horns chasing the back end of the centipede costume that this pug was dragging along behind him.

Thompkins is a mere ten minute walk from pretty much any NYU dorm, maybe fifteen from Washington Square and, trust me, most people love dogs and though we may or may not get grumpy over the humanity of putting a pet in clothes, I, for one, am a jerk and love the sight of it. The Thompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade is definitely worth checking out, even if youre just taking an innocent stroll through the city's best park because there are also tons of booths and a judging ceremony and many-a-dog to oggle at in adoration.