Ocean City will welcome Vince Papale as the grand marshal of the annual Howl-O-Ween Parade on Oct. 26.

Papale was a 30-year-old teacher, coach and part-time bartender in 1976 when he attended a public tryout for the Philadelphia Eagles. Not only did he make the team, but he became a fan favorite and earned the team’s “Man of the Year” honors in 1978 for his gritty play on special teams. His story is the subject of the film “Invincible.”

Hosted by the Humane Society of Ocean City, the Howl-O-Ween Parade welcomes costumed pets in a procession down the Ocean City Boardwalk that starts at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26. The event is part of Dog Days on the Boardwalk Oct. 26 and 27, a weekend that welcomes dogs on the Boardwalk, where they are usually prohibited. 

Leashed dogs will be permitted on the boardwalk 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. October 26, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. October 27.   

On Saturday, Oct. 26 activities will include dog-specific vendors along the Boardwalk, photo-op stations and the Humane Society’s announcement of Ocean City’s “Pet of the Year.” The event will allow owners to shop for dog treats, dog collars, shoot photos with Santa and more. People are encouraged to dress themselves and their dogs in Halloween costumes for the Howl-O-Ween Parade on Oct. 26. Registration for the Howl-O-Ween Parade is now open and all proceeds will benefit the Humane Society of Ocean City.

The event is sponsored by JiLLy’s OCNJ, OCNJ Entertainment, Manco & Manco, Heritage Surf & Sport, Castaway Cove, Berger Realty, Johnson's Popcorn, Stainton's, We Make It Personal and the Ocean City Policemen’s Benevolent Association.

For more information, visit ocnj.us/DogDay.