Dear Editor:
I’m writing to extend a big thank you to Geri Fallo and everyone who was responsible for making the Hoboken Ragamuffin Parade such a big success. There was an unbelievable energy on Washington Street. For the first time in Hoboken history, the Hoboken Dog Association was permitted to join in the festivities. There were about 25 decked-out dogs and about 30 dog lovers marching in the parade with the Halloween kids.
Near 11th Street, one of the parade coordinators, Tommy, asked all of the dogs to stop so that the group of children waiting for them on the sidelines could pet the dogs and take pictures. If you believe that dogs can smile, there was no doubt at all that these dogs were grinning from ear to hairy ear. I think they did a pretty good job of adding some smiles to the crowd as well.
At the judges stand, the first place winner was Sully, a Weimereiner dressed as the Angel of Mercy. In second place was his brother, CocoBean, as the Angel of Death. In third came Maggie, sporting her great Bumblebee costume. A prize for “Spunkiest” went to Julee the cowgirl and a prize for the “Badddest” went to Ziggy, the shorthaired Dachshund for his Harley Davidson ensemble. Geronimo, a 6-month-old Yorkie dressed as a warlock took the prize for the cutest. “Most Festive” went to B.B., the Beagle/Bassett who is usually working as a therapy dog but took some time off to proudly display his pumpkin costume. Gift certificates to BeoWoof (106 Fifth St.) were kindly donated by the store for the first, second and third place winners.
The Hoboken Dog Association would especially like to thank Lisa Ricciardi who took control of this event from start to finish. She said she had never organized anything like this before but you would have thought she was a pro. She gets my vote for annual parade coordinator.
Thanks, from all the dogs at www.HobokenDogs.org.
Jeff Laylon
VP, Hoboken Dog Association