If you happened to run, walk or ride past Saylor Park on the Coplay segment of the Ironton Rail Trail (IRT) the morning of Oct. 15, there’s a good chance you saw a dog or two in a Halloween costume. No, the dogs weren’t trick-or-treating, but be assured they each got several treats. They were participating in the Howloween 5-K dog walk and run, a charity event that was the creation of Kate Gogel and Carlie Small, Northampton Area High School students and members of the school’s DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) Club.

Benefiting Peaceable Kingdom, a local pet rescue organization, as well as the IRT itself, the event featured 87 registered runners and walkers, as well as 30 dogs in a colorful array of costumes. While the event did have some serious runners, the overall atmosphere was one of enjoyment and fundraising for the two organizations, which each provide services to the community at large.

Peaceable Kingdom, a no-kill animal rescue shelter, stated the proceeds it received will go toward much-needed medical supplies. Donations to Peaceable Kingdom are always welcome and continually needed. For details, visit lvpeaceablekingdom.info.

The IRT is a Rails-to-Trails recreation park and walkway in Whitehall, Coplay and North Whitehall, following the route of the former Ironton Railroad, and provides a safe, clean and enjoyable exercise path for community residents.

The race is the DECA project for this school year for Gogel and Small, who will present the planning, implementation and results of the program in December at the state DECA competition in Hershey. Should their project finish in the top level of their category, the two students will have the opportunity to present it at the DECA national competition in Anaheim, Calif., in the spring of 2017.

While too many to name, the students expressed their sincere thanks to the numerous people and community organizations whose generous contributions helped make the event possible.

The Northampton DECA Club is advised by high school teacher Tara Mrazik.