Dog Day At Castle Hill Farm

Dogs are banned from the farm all October. This is the day they get it back.

Castle Hill Farm opens the gates to pets for Dog Day, 10 to 4. The seven acre corn maze is open to walk with your dog, and the rest of the farm runs as normal around it: hayrides out to feed the cows, the farm animals, the pumpkins, live music and a food truck serving breakfast and lunch.

The costume contest works differently this year. You no longer have to be standing in one place at one time. When you arrive, enter your pet into whichever category you like and the farm photographs them in costume for judging. At 1 o'clock everyone walks the Pet Parade, and the contest judging follows at 1:30.

The categories. Best Overall Costume, Scariest, Funniest, Cutest, Best Homemade, Best Pet and Owner Duo, Most Creative Use of Fur, and Best Barnyard Buddy. There are prizes.

What your ticket covers. General admission is $28.97 online, which is $25.00 plus a $3.97 fee, and includes farm admission plus one dog. Each additional dog is $8.27, which is $5.00 plus a $3.27 fee.

The rules, and they are enforced. Dogs must be leashed and under the control of a responsible handler at all times. They need to be comfortable in a crowd and friendly to other dogs, farm animals, adults and children; any dog that is aggressive, unsafe or barking uncontrollably will be asked to leave, and there is no refund if that happens. Owners are responsible for their dog's behavior and for cleaning up after it, including inside the maze. Give other dogs room and ask before letting yours approach another animal.

Worth knowing. This is a working farm, so expect uneven ground, machinery, vehicles, crowds and other dogs. Entering the costume contest means agreeing that the farm may photograph your dog for judging and promotion.

Where to go. Castle Hill Farm, 1 Sugar Lane, Newtown. (203) 470-7204.

Before you go. Details change. Confirm the date, time, price and ticket availability directly with the venue before you travel. Listings are compiled from information published by the venue and are provided as is, without warranty of any kind. Community Stroll is not the organizer of this event and accepts no responsibility or liability for any loss, cost, injury or disappointment arising from errors, changes, cancellations, or from your attendance.