Photos: Creative dog costumes at the 2011 Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade

New Yorkers are known for our fashion sense– and our dogs are no exception. Pooches from across the city gathered in the East Village on Saturday to show off the latest Halloween looks.

The 21st Annual Halloween Dog Parade drew hundreds of onlookers to Tompkins Square Park on a brisk afternoon. They clamored for glimpses of Pomeranians, Chihuahuas and Dachshunds in creative Halloween costumes.

The event, which is organized by Friends of First Run, raises money for the upkeep of the dog park. Scroll down for highlights of the 2011 parade.

Cute pooches draw crowds

One of the most popular attractions was a Pomeranian named Simba dressed as Lady Gaga. The adorable pooch, who bears a striking resemblance to Facebook sensation Boo, was surrounded by camera-toting fans even though she wasn’t officially entered in the contest. Her owner said he didn’t bring any cash to pay the entry fee.

The dog parade is a major media event in Manhattan, attracting news crews and professional photographers. This Cocker Spaniel drew the eye of a NY1 cameraman with her skimpy hula costume.

Pomeranian works a Lady Gaga costume

Simba the Pomeranian stole the show.  She stayed calm while wearing a full-face veil and cumbersome hat, and struck pose after pose for her eager fans.

Lady Gaga herself would be proud!

Creative owners make costumes from scratch

Cute dogs are just part of the Halloween Parade’s appeal; it’s the eye-catching costumes that make the event memorable. The following costumes were hand-made by creative moms and dads.

Ruby, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, looked fetching in her spaghetti and meatballs outfit.

Toby-Wan Kenobi, a Poodle-Chihuahua mix, was covered in leaves and pieces of trash (including a cigarette carton and a plastic bottle). This look screams “NYC streets”– or recycling plant. (Note: I missed what Toby’s mom said when I asked about the costume, so this is my best guess).

The ripped-from-the-headlines award goes to a costume inspired by the Occupy Wall Street movement. Bob, a Brussels Griffon mix, dressed as the 99% (an overalls-wearing average Joe), while Mason, a Mini Schnauzer, represented the 1% (a wealthy financier).

This grizzled pooch put on a brave face as he waited for his official photo to be taken in a pin cushion costume.

Mikey, a Yorkie mix, paid tribute to Jewish tradition by dressing as a dreidel.

Pooches go Hollywood with movie, TV costumes

Many dogs payed homage to the entertainment industry by dressing as famous characters or films.

Popcorn, a Maltese, dressed as… well, a bucket of popcorn.

This pooch celebrated the TLC show reality show “Toddlers & Tiaras” by dressing as a beauty contestant. Her male owner (not pictured) went as a “stage mom.”

Roxy, a Boston Terrier, went as Minnie Mouse (and her mom wore mouse ears).

Ringo, a Dachshund, wore a Mario costume while his human, Susan, dressed as Luigi.

Dallas, a Catahoula, went as “The Birds,” the celebrated Hitchcock film.

Bambina, a pit bull mix from Queens, looked dainty in her Snow White costume.

Trend alert: Dogs masquerade as other animals

The most popular doggie costumes were other animals– including bees, pandas and even a dinosaur.

Charlie, a Dachshund, and his human Beverly wore matching bumble bee costumes.

In fact, bumble bees were a popular look at the 2011 dog parade. This cute pooch rocked a pair of dangling antennas.

Gabriel, a Yorkie, was a vision in this poly-blend monkey costume.

Hank, a French Bulldog, joined his pal Lady in matching dragon (er, lizard?) costumes.

In a clever play on words, Maya the Pug dressed as a ladybug.

Holland, a Maltese and Bijou mix, chose a sophisticated black and white romper for his panda bear costume.

Rocky, a Yorkie, dressed as a turkey while his mom and dad wore fox hats. (I’m still figuring that one out).

Terry, a Jack Russell and Chihuahua mix, looked fetching in a velociraptor costume.

Dogs embrace Halloween classics

Hank, a Beagle, showed off his American pride with a cowboy outfit.

Boston Terriers Murphy and Hooper dressed as a devil and an angel, respectively.

Kozmo, a Dachshund, embraced his breed’s nickname by dressing as a wiener.

What’s your favorite canine Halloween costume?