The Campus Corner Association will host its fourth Halloween event, Howl-O-Ween, 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26 on Campus Corner.

The event, designed to offer a fun, safe Halloween celebration for Norman's canine friends and those who love them, will be along Buchanan Avenue from Boyd Street north to Brothers, Eatery and Pub at 563 Buchanan Ave., said Howl-O-Ween organizer Cindy Johnson, who works at the Antique Garden, 323 W. Boyd St.

"A tent will be there with Second Chance Animal Shelter doing adoptions," Johnson said.

"We had 80 adoptions last year."

Despite the name, Howl-O-Ween is not a canine-exclusive event, although there haven't been many exotic animals so far. "We've always had dogs and cats. Some year I bet someone will bring a potbellied pig." Despite the presence of both furtive felines and capering canines, Johnson said, the atmosphere has been friendly; all the pets (and their humans) attending Howl-O-Ween have been "all really amicable. We've never had a fight."

Johnson expressed gratitude for the return of Howl-O-Ween emcee Tom Ebrey. "He's always funny and a great host."

In addition to dog treats and plenty of water for pets, rain or shine, this year's Howl-O-Ween again will feature attractions including a poker run, in which participants can collect playing cards from several participating Campus Corner merchants. The pet whose owner collects the best hand wins the run.

The main attraction, of course, is the costume contest for four-footed friends. Pets attending the event will parade past the judges about 1:30 p.m.

Prizes awarded will include best eyes, best wag, cutest human and many more categories, Johnson said, "and of course at the end will be the Best of Show award ... Last year we had these two little dachshunds win that."

Adam Scott

366-3533

pop@normantranscript.com