As InsideLowell reported, hundreds of residents and visitors gathered at an unused parking lot at 40 Market Street for the second annual Lowell PupFest on Saturday, October 31. Organized by the local nonprofit Project Merrimack and made possible with lead sponsor Northern Bank, the free festival featured local businesses, animal-focused organizations, activities, a photo booth, and a dog costume contest. Ken Michienzi, founder and executive director of Project Merrimack, told InsideLowell that seeing people enjoy the space was exciting and demonstrated its potential as a community gathering area in the heart of downtown.