The fun is all for a good cause, too. Proceeds will benefit BARC, Better Akron Recreation for Canines, Akron's only nonprofit organization dedicated to the creation of recreational areas for dogs.

To get the party started, JR Ewing from the WQMX radio crew will be out with the Care-A-Van from 1-2 p.m. announcing on air from the Akron Dog Park. Then, local Deejay Tony Maroon will continue the dancing paws by offering up an array of fun music throughout the competition.

During the event, Howl-o-ween participants enter their canine pals into a four-category costume contest judged by Judge Annalisa Williams, Judge Edna Boyle and Akron Beacon Journal pet reporter Connie Bloom. The judges award prizes for the costume categories including Best Human/Canine Combo, Most Original, Cutest and Characters (super heroes, TV, movies, etc.). The first-place winner of each category will compete in the "Best of Show" competition for the Grand Prize, a $45 gift certificate donated by Dave's Tip Top Restaurant. All category winners receive prizes for their canine competitors, such as Frisbees, balls and dog treats.

The competition was dog-eat-dog at last year's inaugural event. The more than 100 canine participants included jailbirds, cowboys, hula dancers and scuba divers.

BARC requests a $5 donation to participate in each costume category. Multiple dogs or a dog entered in multiple categories receive a $2 discount. Don't want to dress up your pooch but still want to participate in the Howl-o-ween event? You can! BARC will accept donations in support of the Dog Park throughout the day. All proceeds benefit the Dog Park for maintenance, upkeep and Dog Park improvements, including a small dog park expansion.

BARC and the City of Akron are teaming up again during this event to host Microchip Day. The City of Akron offers the microchip program to Akron residents for only $15. Don't worry, if you are not an Akron resident, you can still participate in the program for only $50. Microchips help keep your family pets safe and easy to identify in case they are lost, stolen or an emergency occurs. The City of Akron uses the Avid chip; which is inserted by local qualified veterinarians. You can find out more about Microchips on the day of the event.

If it is raining cats and dogs Oct. 29, bring your costumed pet Oct. 30 for a howling good time. Light showers will not cancel the event on Saturday.

The Dog Park is located at 499 Memorial Parkway, near the Cascade Valley Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trailhead. The park is situated on the west side of the gravel parking lot and covers almost 2 acres, which are licensed to BARC by the City of Akron.

BARC is committed to creating safe, fenced-in spaces in the Greater Akron area where dogs can exercise and play together off leash and socialize with fellow canine companions while their owners enjoy the park-like setting. BARC promotes responsible dog ownership and healthy canine behavior to help strengthen the canine-human bond through socialization, exercise, companionship, learning and fun.