On Oct. 26, the Cumming City Center hosted their second annual Howl-oween celebration welcoming people of all ages alongside their furry friends.

Alongside bringing the community together, a large goal of the spooky event was to raise awareness for pet adoption. Angels Among Us, a nonprofit dedicated to saving dogs and cats in high-risk situations across Georgia, had adoptable dogs on display in hopes of finding them forever homes.

“We aspire to rescue one by one until there are none left!” – LuAnn Farrell, Co-Founder of Angels Among Us

To accommodate the dogs who have found their families, Main Street was lined with vendors who specialized in dog products ranging from animal training and pampering to homemade treats and toys.

Woof Gang Bakery and Grooming hosted a booth to promote their pampering services and tailored treats based on accommodations like “barkday” treats. The Dog Stop also had a tent to promote their doggy daycare and luxury boarding offers. Some vendors decided to host raffles, such as the North Georgia Dog Trainers who offered prizes of discounted boarding and dog gift baskets.

Although the furry friends were the highlight of the evening, children also got their fair share of excitement. Businesses located on property gave out candy to trick-or-treaters. The Lou Sobh Amphitheater had a $10 unlimited jump hosted by JumpinJacks, with face painting done by Magical Moments and other free festive treats.

Both small humans and dogs were encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes and were given the opportunity to enter in costume contests, with winners to be announced on Nov. 1 through the Cumming City Center’s social media platforms. Social media will also be used to allow followers to vote on their favorite businesses’ Halloween decorations until Oct. 31.

“It was so much fun dressing up my sweet pups to get into the festive season,” said Nicole Woody, a festival attendee. She has made attending the Howl-oween festival a family tradition because her children and pets get to enjoy the festivities.

To end the event on a high note, the amphitheater partnered with Confident Dental to provide a family-friendly showing of Hocus                                                                                                       Pocus.