East Meadow, NY - October 21, 2014 - Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano hosted his 2nd Annual Nassau Barkfest, Long Island’s Largest Pet Costume Contest and Parade, Sunday, October 19th, at Eisenhower Park’s Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre. The free event was sponsored by the Nassau County SPCA and Long Island’s K98.3 and featured a pet parade with costume judging. $1,000 in prizes were awarded by the Nassau SPCA for the following categories: Best Overall Pet Costume First, Second and Third Place; Most Unique Pet Costume 1st and 2nd Place; Cutest Pet Costume 1st and 2nd Place; Scariest Pet Costume 1st and 2nd Place; Funniest Pet Costume; Best Pet Couple Costume; Best Owner/Pet Costume Combo; and My Pet is Wearing that Next Year Costume.
Many participants also helped families with pets who are facing difficult financial times by donating pet food at the event. Many rescue groups and animal friendly organizations were on site to celebrate and some lucky four legged friends actually were adopted that very day from the various organizations.
“I want to thank everyone for coming out to our Second Annual Nassau Barkfest,” said County Executive Mangano. “I also want to thank our sponsors - Nassau SPCA and Long Island’s K98.3 - for their generosity. For many of us our pets are members of our family and this was a great way to enjoy a nice afternoon together.”
Mangano continued, “I would like to thank the many rescue groups that came to Barkfest and continue day in and day out to help animals in need like North Shore Animal League, FurBabies Rescue, The Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter, Last Hope, Bobbi and the Strays, The Shelter Connection (Town of North Hempstead), Road to Home Rescue Support, Echo Dogs White Shepherd Rescue, Long Island Golden Retriever Rescue, Bumper Bulldog Rescue and Pit of Our Souls Rescue.”
Pictured above: Costume Contest Winners: County Executive Mangano and Mrs. Mangano with their two dachshunds, Nassau County Legislator Rose Walker, Stuart Schrager of K98.3 FM; Gary Rogers of the NCSPCA; K98.3 FM's Leeana Costa; Grand Prize Winners “The Walking Dead” Thomas Maganelli and Allison Hammond and their Border Collie Emma of Great Neck and our other Nassau Costume Barkfest Winners.
Gallery Photo: Food Donation (left to right): Nassau County Legislator. Michael Venditto; Stuart Schrager of K98.3 FM; Nassau County Executive & Mrs. Mangano with their two dachshunds; Gary Rogers of the NCSPCA; K98.3 FM's Leeana Costa; Nassau County Legislator Rose Walker.
