MARYSVILLE – Break out the Halloween costumes early for your pooches and kids.

Families and friendly dogs are invited to have a howling good time at Howl and Growl, featuring holiday fun and games from noon-4 p.m. Oct. 20 at Strawberry Fields for Rover Off-Leash Dog Park, 6100 152nd St. NE.

Admission is free for the event hosted by Marysville Dog Owners Group, which manages the 3-acre dog park in partnership with Marysville Parks, Culture and Recreation.

“This is a small-scale play day to let dogs and kids have some pre-Halloween fun,” said Leslie Buell, M-DOG organizer and founder.

Pet and kid costume contest categories include scariest, pretty/fairy, best kid n’ dog costume combo and superhero. Additional dog contests are planned for best kisser, best voice, highest vertical jumper, most tricks in two minutes, fastest through the agility course and an obstacle course that must be run without ripping a toilet paper leash attached to fido.

Games and crafts for kids include pumpkin bowling, witch toss and poop toss games, toilet paper mummy relay, veggie carving contest and making a ghost with tea lights.

Cost to enter each contest or activity is $2, with proceeds supporting dog park needs and improvements. M-DOG is also using the event to unveil their newest answer to providing shade and shelter, a pergola built by Marysville Boy Scout Troop 80 led by Daniel Wegemann installed Oct. 5. The shelter was made possible with support from Roy Robinson Subaru and M-DOG.

For event details go to www.facebook.com/Marysvilleoffleash. Visitors are cautioned to abide by park rules when attending, especially where the safety and supervision of children around dogs is concerned.

This event is subject to cancellation due to inclement weather such as rain, or muddy ground conditions.