Photos from the 2016 Canine Promenade on the Esplanade

Costumed puppies paraded with their owners dressed as Pokeballs, Doggie Trump, and more.

By Rochelle Li· 10/24/2016, 10:24 a.m.

Photo by Rochelle Li

This past Sunday, dog owners and their furry costumed companions paraded a half-mile stretch of the Esplanade for the sixth annual Canine Promenade. The fall tradition, hosted by the Esplanade Association, featured a Halloween-themed parade and costume contest for local pups and their owners. Despite the windy weather, more than 150 attendees participated in this year’s festivities.

The special pre-Halloween occasion is put on every year to raise awareness of improvements for the Charles River Esplanade. The proceeds from this year’s Canine Promenade will be put toward the restoration of the Lotta Fountain. Located near the Esplanade Playscape, the fountain includes a six-foot stone dog sculpture and granite benches made in 1939. The fountain was once a place where dog owners could relax and their pups could enjoy refreshing sips of water. However, time has greatly weathered the Lotta Fountain, and it is now in need of major renovation. According to Meghan Buco, one of the event’s organizers, roughly $1,500 was raised for the restoration project on Sunday. Buco and the members of the Esplanade Association hope that the Lotta Fountain will once again serve as a community gathering place for park dogs and their owners in the future.

Until then, the annual puppy parade will do. Here’s what you missed at this year’s Canine Promenade.

Photo by Rochelle Li

The sixth annual Canine Promenade, hosted by the Esplanade Association, took place on Sunday.

Photo by Rochelle Li

This Pomeranian was one of many pups dressed as New England’s favorite crustacean, the lobster.

Photo by Rochelle Li

Rare Pokemon were sighted all throughout the Esplanade this weekend, including this Pikachu pup.

Photo by Rochelle Li

Fenway, dressed as a Pokeball, was part of a Pokemon Go ensemble, the first place winners of the group costume category.

Photo by Rochelle Li

Fenway the Pokeball and his Pokemon Go friends placed first in the group costume contest.

Photo by Rochelle Li

Ahoy! Pirate pups took over Fielder Field with their canine friends on Sunday.

Photo by Rochelle Li

A real-life ewok, who was a little camera shy, was also in attendance at the sixth annual Canine Promenade.

Photo by Rochelle Li

With fabulous shades and an elegant tiara, this pretty pup pranced her way along the parade.

Photo by Rochelle Li

This pooch with a majestic mane came to the event dressed as the Courageous Lion from the Wizard of Oz.

Photo by Rochelle Li

Some pups like Chico the Pomeranian were especially happy to be at the Canine Promenade.

Photo by Rochelle Li

Bubba the English bulldog smiles as he basks in the sun and spends the afternoon with his fuzzy four-legged friends.

Photo by Rochelle Li

A panel of young judges determined the winners of this year’s costume contest.

Photo by Rochelle Li

Some dogs even showed off their tricks to impress the judges.

Photo by Rochelle Li

High five for teamwork! Batman and Robin took the stage and showed off some cool tricks during the individual costume contest.

Photo by Rochelle Li

The fabulous Audrey Hepburn from Breakfast at Tiffany’s walked the catwalk.

Photo by Rochelle Li

This jailbird Pomeranian couldn’t help but smile as he took the stage for the costume contest.

Photo by Rochelle Li

This Yorkshire teacup pup is named Artie the “One Dog Party.” According to his owner, Artie was dressed as a “love child between Gandalf the Grey and Dumbledore” for the event.

Photo by Rochelle Li

Cookie Monster competed in the individual costume contest and brought her own snack to munch on.

Photo by Rochelle Li

Calvin the Dog for president! Calvin’s Chief of Staff (left) and First Lady (right) announced his presidential candidacy on Sunday. As president of the United States of America, he promises to “make balls squeaky again.”