The Saint John City Market will host its first Great Pumpkin Pet Party.

The event will bring pets in costume together for a contest and community fundraiser for the SPCA.

It takes place on Saturday, beginning at noon, with a pet costume contest scheduled for 2 p.m.

Organizers say the day will also feature coffee, hot chocolate and activities such as pumpkin paw prints for pets.

Administrative assistant Lisa Freeze, who helped organize the event, said she wanted to create something fun that would also support animals in need.

“It’s something that’s going to be a really uplifting moment of our day. I think there’s going to be a lot of laughs and be a great community-building event,” Freeze said.

Freeze also noted the event is a first in the market’s 150‑year history, making it a milestone for the uptown landmark.

An SPCA van will be parked on South Market Street to collect donations. Freeze said the goal is to fill the van, and cash donations will also be accepted on site.

Freeze, City Market employee Matt Dempster, and Mayor Donna Reardon will serve as judges for the contest.

“I mean, how amazing is it to say that your dog won the Halloween costume contest and have a hand-signed document from us and the mayor to congratulate their pet on winning the contest,” Freeze said.

Winners will receive gift baskets, including a first‑place prize valued at more than $300.

Global Pet Foods has donated 75 “trick and treat” bags, which will be given to attendees who bring donations for the SPCA.

Freeze said she hopes the event will be a lighthearted way to bring the community together while helping animals.

“It’s going to be a really uplifting moment of our day… and what we’re going to do for the SPCA, I think it’s just going to be incredible,” she said.