Irvington was invaded by hundreds of superheroes, witches, fairy princesses, pirates, cartoon characters, zombies and lots of fun on October 31. Thanks to the hundreds of volunteers, organizers, vendors, and the good people of Irvington, the 69th Annual Historic Irvington Halloween Festival ended with a big parade and lots of smiles from young and old.
By all reports, the Zombie Bike Ride was a big success on October 30, with lots of costumed riders tooling down the winding streets of Irvington. The Pleasant Run Run was very well attended on Saturday morning.
photo by Paula Nicewanger/Eastside Voice
Rita Spalding painting a pet chicken portrait at the Halloween Street Fair — you don’t see that every day!
Over 25,000 people attended the Street Fair October 31 — most in costumes. The weather helped — the rain stayed away during the day. After the Street Fair, many families stayed around the neighborhood and trick-or-treated the historic neighborhood. In addition, many stayed to go on a ghost tour — the last for this year. Others went to the Coal Yard for more fun and music. Many of the people who came to the festival did not live in the neighborhood, but heard about the festival through the news, newspapers, and on the radio. There were lots of kids and families, and more than a few very tolerant pets in costume. Someone even brought their pet chicken, dressed as a vampire/zombie.
Winners of the many contests sponsored by the Festival were announced after the parade, and online. The Halloween House Decorating awards were particularly ambitious and fun this year. The first annual Scarecrow Decorating Contest had some great entries that were displayed on Irving Circle.
Winners have been notified as of press time, but you can visit www.irvingtonhalloween.com to see the winners of the many contests. You may claim your award, if you have not already, at the Irvington Public Library until 8 p.m. on November 16. Lost and found items can also be picked up there as well.
The festival is not possible without the support of the Historic Irvington Community Council, the merchants of Irvington, and Tara Elder and her assistants, who have done a remarkable and difficult job of making the festival go off without (too many) hitches for the past couple of years. Looking forward to the 70th!
