Dueling pumpkins in Ridge

By Matthew Lysiak
The Brooklyn Paper

Two local Republicans are going pumpkin to pumpkin to see who can host the most festive Halloween celebrations during this scary season.

The festivities kick-off at noon on Oct. 20, at Leif Ericson Park, which is located at 66th Street and Fort Hamilton Parkway, where Rep. Vito Fossella will be hosting “Pumpkin Patch in the Park,” which will include live music, pumpkin picking, hayrides and even pony rides.

Not to be outmatched, from 3–8 pm on Halloween night, state Sen. Marty Golden (R–Bay Ridge) will host his annual Haunted Halloween Walk and Fair at Owl’s Head Park, which is at 68th Street and Colonial Road. The festival will also include hayrides, face painting, and lots of food and spooky sights.

But Halloween isn’t just for pols, kids, or even humans for that matter. It is also for man’s best friend.

On Sunday, Oct. 28, the Narrows Botanical Garden, which is located near Shore Road and 71st Street, will host its canine costume contest, art show and crafts sale from noon–5 pm. Kids can paint their own pumpkin, listen to music, square dance, go on plant tours, and sample hot cider at the Greenmarket.

But the real attraction of that event will be the famous dog costume contest, where animals big and small will line up to show off their animal disguises in hopes of impressing the judges who award prizes for creativity.

So who’s event is the best? Everyone has his own opinion, but even the organizer of the Botanical Garden’s event says Golden’s party is the one to beat.

“I have been doing events for more than 20-years,” said Chip Cafiero. “Let me tell you, the Halloween Walk at Owl’s Head Park is the best event in Brooklyn.”


Pumpkin Patch in the Park, Leif Ericson Park (66th Street and Fort Hamilton Parkway), Oct. 20, noon–5 pm. For information, call (718) 356-8400.

Canine Costume Contest, Art Show and Crafts Sale, Narrows Botanical Garden (Shore Road and 71st Street), Oct. 28, noon– 5 pm. For information, call (718) 748-9848.

Halloween night, Owls Head Park (68th Street and Colonial Road), Oct. 31, 3–8 pm. For information, call (718) 238-6044.