Round of a-paws: Tompkins Square Halloween dog fest is back on, organizers say

It’s paw-some news.

The Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade is back on after being canceled last week when exorbitant application costs overwhelmed organizers.

Organizer Joseph Borduin pulled the plug on the event last week after the city’s Street Activity Permit Office hounded him for more than $50,000 in street closure fees. Construction and expectations of large crowds had forced the event to expand its footprint into several blocks surrounding the park, complicating logistics. But according to an advance copy of a press release obtained by Gothamist, a last-minute golden retrieval is keeping the beloved barkfest alive and “better than ever” for its 33rd year.

"We are beyond thrilled to announce that the 2023 Halloween Dog Parade is back on,” Borduin said in a statement. “This wouldn’t have been possible without the cooperation of Councilwoman Carlina Rivera, Mayor Eric Adams, city agencies, the NYPD, and with the generous support of Get Joy.”

The difference this time is a sponsor that has offered to jump in and help cover costs. According to the release, Connecticut-based dog wellness startup Get Joy is partnering with parade organizers to help fund the parade.

Borduin said the mayor's office helped coordinate communication with various city agencies after news of the cancellation had spread. He said the parade will now fall under the city's Open Streets program, bringing the cost down by tens of thousands of dollars. The rest of the costs, he said, would be covered by Get Joy.

This year’s parade will look a little different than in years past, and actually a little more like a human parade. Details are still being ironed out, but it will take place on Avenue B from E. 6th Street to E. 14th Street, and E. 7th Street between Avenue A and Avenue B. A stage will also be set up inside the park, the release said.

Get Joy CEO Tom Arrix will be one of the judges for the costume contest. He said the event gets to the heart of his company’s mission, which was why he helped shepherd it back into action.

“Any time a dog’s joy is threatened we want to help because, like humans, a dog’s total wellness is as much about the health of their spirit as their mind and body. This parade is all about dogs finding joy by spending time with their families and other dogs in their community,” Arrix said in a statement. “Additionally, being able to step in to support the dog run that enables daily exercise and socialization for dogs makes complete sense as we are dedicated to helping dogs and families live their best lives together.”

The parade is scheduled for Oct. 21, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

This story has been updated to reflect how the city worked with parade organizers to place the event under the Open Streets program.