With a pooch parade of costumed canines, Bridgeland is transforming kids’ favorite candy-collecting holiday into a “Howl-O-Ween” celebration, Saturday, Oct. 31. Howl-O-Ween Fest will start at 10 a.m. in Bridgeland’s Oak Meadow Park, and end at 5 p.m. — just in time for young ghosts and goblins to start their traditional Halloween activities. Headlining the family-and-Fido event will be the 2009 Space City Disc Dog Championship, a three-day competition that will be held in Bridgeland Friday through Sunday, Oct. 30-Nov. 1. The event is expected to draw high-jumping pets from across the region as they vie for “top-dog” honors in a variety of trick categories.Performances by dancing dogs, a variety of fly ball groups and a dock-diving fun jump will be open to the public. Owners may register their pooches for the fun jump at http://www.splashdogs.com or on site during the event. Howl-O-Ween activities also will include a 1 p.m. costume contest and parade for dogs and their owners. Participants may sign up for the parade at http://www.bridgelandlife.com or on site. Judges will consider the following when selecting the winners: best theme, most creative and best dog/owner costume pairing. Winners in each category will receive a gift card. A pet photographer will be on hand, as will mobile vets and groomers, rescue groups offering pet adoption, and pet products and services booths. For a tail-wagging spin on trick-or-treating, both kids and pups can gather yummy snacks — sweets for the kids and pet-safe treats for the pups. Concessions also will be available. “This is a doggone clever twist on traditional Halloween festivals,” said Peter Houghton, Bridgeland’s vice president of master-planned communities. “The Houston Canine Frisbee Disc Club has entertained in Bridgeland several times during our Nature Fest activities and has always been a big draw. We thought it would be fun for both residents and the public to enjoy some of the Space City Disc Dog championship and enjoy other family activities with their dogs in tow.” Guests must keep their dogs leashed at all times during the event, be current on all vaccinations and wear a current rabies tag. Dogs also must be on their best behavior — any aggressive pooches will be asked to leave to keep the event enjoyable for everyone. For more information on the Howl-O-Ween Fest, visit http://www.bridgeland.com/ or http://www.houstonfrisbeedogs.com/.