Record-Breaking Howl-O-Ween: 98 Costumed Pups Take Over Reiman Gardens

Halloween got a whole lot cuter at Reiman Gardens during its annual Howl-O-Ween Costume Walk on Tuesday, Oct. 27. A record-breaking 98 dogs and 179 people attended, surrounded by picture-perfect autumn colors. As an extension of Rovers at Reiman, a seasonal event where visitors can walk their dogs in the Gardens on Tuesdays in April and September, the Howl-O-Ween event invited pups and their owners to show off their spookiest spirit through a costume contest. 

Reiman Gardens was filled with pups dressed as classic characters, food items, fall favorites, and pop culture icons. Costumes ranged from the Cowardly Lion and Travis Kelce to the Oregon Trail, the Minions, and Bob Ross, with no shortage of creativity. Many owners even got in on the fun by dressing in outfits of their own to match their four-legged friends. 

For events assistant Patty Johnston, the best part of the walk is the community. “We have people attending from all over the state, and some people show up just to see the dogs and the costumes. It is rewarding to see all of the dog owners not only enjoying the event but also enjoying time with each other,” Johnston said. “It’s more of a social thing than you would expect.” 

Rovers at Reiman is made possible through partnerships with Treats on a Leash, Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Dog-Eared Books, and Bailing Out Benji. 

Want to cast your vote for the best costume? Voting is open on Reiman Gardens’ Facebook page through Oct. 31, and prizes will be awarded to the public’s top three favorites.