SPOTSWOOD, NJ — Rain in the forecast did not keep Spotswood residents home. On Friday, October 16, 2026, SiRa Dentistry's Third Annual Pet Halloween Costume Contest welcomed 28 families and roughly 66 guests to 456 Main Street for an evening of costumes, music and community spirit, according to the practice. Together with a matching gift from SiRa Dentistry, the night raised $492 for the Spotswood Fire Department.
The event's importance extends beyond its modest dollar figure: it represents a local business converting a family-oriented celebration into direct support for the volunteers and first responders who protect the community. Guests contributed $246 through donations and raffles, and SiRa Dentistry matched that amount dollar for dollar, bringing the total gift to $492 for the Spotswood Fire Department. A fire truck and members of local police were on site, giving kids and families a chance to meet the people who protect the community.
"We had a gloomy forecast and a few last-minute changes, and this community came out anyway," said Dr. Peter Mikhail of SiRa Dentistry in Spotswood, NJ. "The Spotswood Fire Department keeps us safe every single day. Seeing families, pets and neighbors come together to say thank you was exactly what we hoped for. We're proud to give back to the people who always show up for us."
The evening featured pets and their owners strutting down a red carpet in front of an enthusiastic crowd, while a DJ kept the energy up from a covered stage. Families also enjoyed a photo booth, petting zoo, bounce house, food truck, and local vendor raffles.
For readers and residents, the announcement signals that the tradition is set to continue: SiRa Dentistry plans to hold the event again next year, and local media are invited to follow along. High-resolution event photos and interviews with SiRa Dentistry and the Spotswood Fire Department are available on request.
SiRa Dentistry was opened in Spotswood in late 2023 by Peter Mikhail, DMD, and Michael Massoud, DMD, to bring VIP dental services to the local community. The family-owned practice offers full preventative, restorative and cosmetic care alongside same-day visits, extended hours, an in-house membership plan and state-of-the-art technology. Readers interested in learning more about the practice can visit www.siradentistrynj.com.
The contest's outcome illustrates how small, locally organized events can pair community engagement with tangible contributions to public safety services, while giving residents a reason to gather even when the weather threatens to interfere.
