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Events Combined For A Big Howl

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By HAROLD VALENTINE, The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 20, 2007

NORTHDALE - Halloween events from years past are culminating in a single bash this year at Northdale Park called Howl-Oween.

A haunted trail, a dog parade, contests for canine costumes and pumpkin carving, food and games are the main features of the event, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Friday.

Howl-Oween is being put on by Hillsborough County's not-for-profit Friends of the County Parks with the help of the Northdale OWLS.

OWLS spokeswoman Nancy Stearns said the haunted trail used to be at Lake Park, and pumpkin carving was a smaller event during daylight hours. But combined, Stearns is hoping Howl-Oween will generate more enthusiasm.

Stearns said event coordinators are looking for as many entries as possible for the pumpkin-carving contest. Pumpkins should be pre-carved and dropped off at Northdale Park before the event, preferably Thursday.

Stearns said the pumpkin and canine-costume contests have different categories, such as funny and scary. She said dogs involved in the contest or parade should meet county requirements, with current rabies tags, and should be leashed. She said water in bowls and waste bags will be provided.

Stearns said the haunted trail will be at the wooded section of the park. The trail will open at dusk and is reserved for older children.

'We don't want to scare the little ones,' she said. 'It'll be scary.'

She said children and adults are encouraged to wear costumes.

The event will include food and beverages, carnival games such as a doughnut-eating contest, and face painting. Representative of the Humane Society's pet adoption service and the Florida Dog Training School will attend, and there will be entertainment by local musicians.

'It's not going to be Broadway-style entertainment,' Stearns said. 'It's going to be family-oriented, comfortable entertainment.'

For information, call Northdale Park at (813) 264-8956 or visit www.northdale .org.

Reporter Harold Valentine can be reached at (813) 865-1526 or hvalentine@tampatrib.com.

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