SALEM, S.D. — Salem’s last downtown market night of the season was a howling success, featuring a delightful Halloween pet parade that brought the community together.
Around 15 furry friends strutted their stuff down Main Street, showcasing their creative costumes to the delight of onlookers.
The parade was a colorful spectacle, with pups dressed as dragons, dinosaurs, and even prisoners. Among the participants was Ava, the “city dog” and the grand puppy of Mayor Glenda Blindert, who made an appearance dressed as a squirrel, proudly on “squirrel patrol.”
In a creative twist, Blindert had also spray-painted colorful stripes on Ava's back.
“I got a little messy,” Blindert said, pointing to her slightly splattered slacks. “I hope it washes out like it's supposed to.”
As the excitement of the parade unfolded, Teresa Robbins and her sons, Hunter and Ryken, and their German Wirehair Pointer Misty claimed first place, wowing the crowd with a dinosaur costume.
The family has a tradition of dressing their dogs for Halloween, and this year was no different.
“They do okay getting in costume,” Robbins said. “I think the excitement is keeping them comfortable.”
Taco, a dachshund/chihuahua mix, took home second place with his taco costume that perfectly mirrored his name.
“The kids wanted a hot dog costume since he's a weiner dog,” said owner Anpo Lamont, laughing as Taco basked in the attention.
Perhaps the youngest participant was Copper, a havapoo just nine weeks old, who was full of youthful energy and cuteness.
The Salem Chamber of Commerce initiated the monthly downtown market on Main Street last year, shifting from its previous location in the city park.
The Halloween pet parade marked the first of its kind organized by the Salem Chamber.
“It was awesome to see so many pets and their owners come together for such a fun way to send off summer,” Blindert said.
Jennifer Leither joined the Mitchell Republic in April 2024. She was raised in Sioux Falls, S.D. where she attended Lincoln High School. She continued her education at South Dakota State University, graduating in December 2000 with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. During her time in college, Leither worked as a reporter for the campus newpaper, The Collegian. She also interned for Anderson Publications in Canistota, SD the summer of 2000. Upon graduation, Leither continued to reside in the Sioux Falls area and worked as a freelance writer for the Argus Leader for a number of years.
/jennifer-leither
