Bow wow!

It was the 23rd annual dog costume contest hosted by Lansing broadcast veteran Tim Barron. Winners included third place Teddy, who dressed up as Gene Simmons of Kiss fame; second place Peter, dressed as a hot dog; and in first place, the Cosgrove family and their canine trio Ohana, Crystal and Santo, who came as the troupe from "E.T."

Other notables included the Cat and the Hat gang, and one canine dressed as Barron’s resume.

Would-be contestants registered to be reviewed by three judges: Barron, Rick Pruess of Preuss Pets, and Barron’s producer, Aimee Sedek. The 82 costumed canines competed for three prizes, of up to $100 in gift cards. Contestants and on-lookers of all ages filled the parking lot of the Old Town Sir Pizza and ringed the sidewalks beyond.

The dogs weren’t the only ones dressed for the occasion, though. Owners often joined their pets in celebrating the Halloween spirit.

As for the event itself, the costume show was merely the tail-end to a whole day of pet-friendly activities in Old Town, including trick-or-treating, a doggy Happy Hour, and photo sessions.

The photos, according to the event’s announcer, Janet Sparrow, took place earlier in the day, “so owners could get some nice shots before their costumes got destroyed.”