Galloping Hessian Of The Hollow

Photos from the Annual Tarrytown Halloween Parade.  It's not often that a headless horseman costume looks so believable.  You can usually see the proportions are a little off due to the raised shoulders attempting to hide the human head of the wearer.  But, man, this looks really REALLY good.  And that gorgeous horse seals the deal.

Images by K_Marsh.

Yokai

Yokai (妖怪) are a class of supernatural monsters, spirits, and demons in Japanese folklore. They are not easily categorized, encompassing a wide range of beings, from mischievous spirits to fearsome monsters, and even objects imbued with supernatural power. Yokai often blur the lines between the natural and supernatural, and are frequently featured in Japanese art, literature, and popular culture. 

More images here.

And click here to learn about a Yokai event occurring in Philadelphia.

The Nightmare Before Christmas

...at the New York City Village Halloween Parade.

Amazing costumes designed and built by artist Brandon Hardy.

More images here.

Vintage Hearse

Nothing like a horse-drawn hearse to liven up a St. Patrick's parade...

Grand Witch Parade

Stare at the awesome photo (I need that witch mask) whilst listening to the James Horner cue below it...

Image by duckwalk.


CLICK HERE FOR THE TRACK.

Processions And Blazes

More images at K.O.'s Kamera Obscura blog.

And click here for her latest update on the Steampunk Haunted House.

Nightmare Fuel

Dorothy and her pet bagpipes closing in from behind.

i

Image source.

Collinsville

At 6 p.m., as the dusk takes over the village of Collinsville, all ghosts, ghouls and goblins and anyone else who venture in meet at the foot of the balcony at the Canton Historical Museum. Boo-sillini greets the crowd, the candy flows and the Halloween magic takes over. Each year, the pre-parade antics of Boo-sillini on the balcony along with various forms of ghoulish and ghastly entertainment are featured such as an annual screaming procession. This year too you will witness a cannon shooting off flying ghosts and treats.
At 7 p.m. the parade ritual begins on Main Street. Haunting pipe organ sounds can be heard and all those who are Halloween-donned and those who choose to remain un-donned follow the fog and music down Main Street. As you walk the parade path, you will find amongst the many horrifying visuals, the “Collinsville Judges” searching for the scariest, most original and funniest costumes of the night. After the parade of fright and fun; ghosts, goblins and goons congregate again at the balcony for the judging of the costumes, led by C-ville’s Boo-sillini.


Thanks, Rene, for the link!

More information.

Halloween Conductivity

My good friend Jon posed an interesting question - what are the best cities and towns to live in if you love Halloween? I guess this can also be stretched to ask: what sort of community/neighborhood/environment is the most conducive to the ultimate Halloween experience as a yard haunter? 

I've lived at a few different locations in a couple of states over the years, but I've always returned to the place where I grew up - my parents' house - to set up my display. At residences elsewhere, I've always asked new neighbors what the Halloween turnout was like and they always replied "we only get a few kids." My parents live in a pretty suburban (almost urban) location. Blocks and blocks of row homes and apartment complexes. People on top of people. The community decorates like it's an orange Christmas which is really cool. Lights and decorations everywhere. And tons of kids. The downside is that we get quite a lot of older kids trying to impress their friends by being rude and disrespectful. I filter that stuff out to remain sane, and for the most part it's over quickly and it sort of becomes background noise. 

A while back I wrote about Halloween 2002, the year I didn't set up my haunt. I ended up walking around some areas to see how other people celebrate the holiday. In particular, a colonial borough. Single homes, manicured lawns, and tons of Halloween decorations. The street was blocked off and it was a quiet and magical Halloween block party. I'd be in heaven on a street like that. Not a lot of trick-or-treat traffic, but a whole lot of Halloween spirit. Here are some pics of that neighborhood in the days leading up to Halloween. They take the Holiday VERY seriously. Getting back to Jon's question, what cities or towns are the best for Halloween fanatics? I'm thinking small towns. And ones that have annual Halloween parades (the ones with children) are a good start.  

There should be an annual top-ten issued along with the lists of "Worst for Crime," "Best for Employment," "Best for Housing Prices." "Best for Halloween." Anybody have any suggestions for the best Halloween towns? Probably not a good town to live in if you're looking for a quiet little Halloween.

1945 Parade Balloon

Image source.

Thanks, Jon, for this great link!

Halloween 1910

(Largest photo I could find.)

Halloween 1957

Image source.

The Mad Scientist's Evil House

Some amazing pics of this home's haunt and Halloween parade.



Galleries:
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006

Paper Lantern Parade

A Hallowe'en Lantern Carnival from the Liverpool Lantern Company.


From their site:
Liverpool Lantern Company is an artist led organisation, originally set up to establish a spectacular community based Lantern Carnival in Liverpool and to promote creativity, celebration and unity within and across local communities. We also undertake commissions and offer training at all levels and in many art forms such as Lantern making, carnival costume, processional puppets and large scale processional imagery, as well as directing and producing art installations, site specific events and processions.



LiverpoolLanternCompany.co.uk