Halloween Parade shines on Saturday: Dozens turn out for spooky fun

Despite the fact that the intersection of North Ferry Road and Thomas Street is watched over by both the Shelter Island Police and Fire departments, the Center of town was invaded on Saturday by a multitude of minions, a vanguard of vampires, a wealth of warriors, a drove of dinosaurs, Dalmatians and ducks.

Marching in Shelter Island’s annual Halloween parade, this colorful collection stepped off promptly at 4 p.m., signaled by Fire Marshal Mike Johnson blowing his whistle. From their assembly point in front of the firehouse, costumed Islanders marched south toward Wilson Circle, then looped back to the firehouse for treats. The classic fall day brought bright sunshine, as all ages showed off their clever costumes. 

Some traditions hold that Halloween, the feast celebrating the dead, is the time when the veil separating the living from those who have gone before is at its thinnest point. Whether that’s true or not, it’s undeniable that the gap between child and adult disappears on that day, as parents, grandparents, teachers, firefighters and community volunteers throw themselves happily into the spirit of spookiness with trick-or-treaters from tots to teens.

Father and daughter sharks Chris and Ella Licciardi marched with young Ethan Licciardi, riding his dinosaur. Tiger Woods was accompanied by his caddie. The Grinch had a voice that sounded like Colby Kehl. Three young ladies attired in spooky black costumes, Lily Traskos, Riley Lechmanski and Isla Choo, were more bewitching than frightening.

There were jellyfish, a park ranger and a possum. Bluey, Elsa and Olaf. Fluffy clouds. Brave knights appeared, as did future firemen and policemen. A mailbox and a recycling bin made their way along the parade route, on two legs each.

In addition to the crowd bringing the parade to life, there was a small army working behind the scenes. At 3:30 p.m., Fire Department trucks were positioned to block off cars from entering the parade route, and Steve Lenox got into position to control traffic.

Inside the firehouse, a team of Fire Deptartment Auxiliary members were preparing food and stuffing bags of candy — “As if they need any more,” joked Lynn Thomson, since the schoolchildren had enjoyed the PTSA Trunk or Treat as well as candies distributed by the Witches of Smith Street the day before.

Ms. Thomson was joined by her fellow Auxiliary members Eda Kaasik, Dana Hallman, Jennifer Bolton, Debbie Lechmanski, Pat Lenox and Ann Beckwith in preparing the treats and refreshments for all to enjoy at the end of the parade.

Fire Chief Maximilian Pelletier and several of his volunteer firefighters pitched in to get a spread of hot dogs, macaroni and cheese and beverages ready for the happy band finishing up their Halloween fun together at the firehouse.