Friends of the Monmouth County Parks and Garden State Veterinary Specialists, Tinton Falls, will host the sixth annual Strut Your Mutt Doggie Costume Parade and Pet Fair 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. during Thompson Park Day on Oct. 18.

The events will be held at the off-leash dog area in the Monmouth County Park System's Thompson Park, Newman Springs Road, Lincroft section of Middletown.

The day begins at 11 a.m. with dog agility demonstrations. Pet parades will be held at noon and 3 p.m. Trophies will be awarded after each parade to costumed canines in the categories of most original, scariest, funniest, prettiest, and best caninehuman combo. The Monmouth County Sheriff's Office will present bomb-sniffing demonstrations at 1:30 p.m.

Registration for the contest is $10 for members of the Friends of the Parks and $15 for nonmembers. Advance registration is strongly recommended. The Friends of the Parks is a nonprofit organization, and every dollar raised by the Friends is used to support the Monmouth County Park System's programs, exhibits and facilities, including the off-leash dog areas.

For registration information and other Friends events, visit friendsofmonmouthcountyparks. com or call the Friends at 732- 975-9735. For more information about the Monmouth County Park System and its offleash dog areas, visit www.monmouthcountyparks. com.