Canine Costume and Pie Eating Contests, Hayrides, Music, Games, Activities, Food Trucks, Vendors and more will Highlight Festival
UPPER FREEHOLD, NJ., September 8, 2026 — Celebrate the fall season—and support a great cause—at Marty’s Place Howl-O-Ween Family Fest on Saturday, October 17, from 12 to 5 p.m. located at 118 Route 526 in Upper Freehold. The annual dog-friendly festival, presented by Heartland Veterinary and Boarding, raises much-needed funds to help senior dogs in need of safe places to call home.
Attendees will enjoy an afternoon packed with autumn fun, including:
- Canine costume and pie eating contests
- Canine agility demonstrations and participation
- Hayrides, music, raffles and family games
- Canine mini swim sessions
- Food trucks, vendors, craft beer and wine garden
“This is our largest fundraiser of the year, and we’re thrilled to welcome the community back to celebrate senior dogs,” said Doreen Jakubcak, founder and executive director of Marty’s Place. “Too often, senior dogs are overlooked in shelters and put at risk. Proceeds from this event will help us continue caring for senior dogs in need.”
Costumes are encouraged for adults, children and dogs (if they’re comfortable dressing up). Contest prizes will be awarded for best duo/group, most creative, cutest and best senior dog costume (7 years and older), as well as for the human and canine pie eating contests.
Admission is $10 per person with free entry for children ten and under. All proceeds directly benefit the senior dogs at Marty’s Place.
Marty’s Place thanks presenting sponsor Heartland Veterinary and Boarding, along with supporting sponsors: Arya Properties, Crossroads Realty, Morgan Engineering, Sentinel Wealth Management, Stark & Stark, Surety Title Agency and Veg ER for Pets.
For event details, visit www.martysplace.org.
About Marty’s Place Senior Dog Sanctuary
Inspired by a senior dog adoptee named Marty and the plight of other aging canines with nowhere to live out their “golden” years safely and comfortably, Marty’s Place Senior Dog Sanctuary opened its doors in 2015. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization provides a permanent and protected environment for dogs aged seven and older when their owners or other animal rescue/shelters can no longer care for them.
While adoption or lifelong foster may be an option for some residents, when it isn’t, Marty’s Place provides senior dogs a loving home for life in a cage-free, family-like environment with full, personalized attention given to their needs for the rest of their lives.
Situated on 25 acres, the 8,000-square-foot facility in Upper Freehold, NJ., also offers a canine swim and hydrotherapy program for its residents and non-resident dogs of all ages.
For more information visit: www.martysplace.org or call 609-259-1278.