Halloween's a treat in Takoma Park

by Lety Linn

Dragons with big teeth, lions, kings, princess, bees and scary characters from movies and books converged on Laurel Avenue on Saturday, October 29. The Halloween Parade of Takoma Park gathered families from surrounding areas willing to be part, once again, of this annual community party. More than 100 neighbors marched to Piney Branch Elementary School, where those wearing the scariest, funniest and most original costumes received their prizes.   Finally, all were invited to dance along to the songs of Zydeco Crayz.

The contest, organized by the city authorities, was for children and adults. Most of the parents, not wanting to miss the fun, donned something in the spirit of day, such as a clown's nose, a pair of cat's ears or even a whole Darth Vader costume. Challenging the chilly afternoon, children and parents met in Old Takoma at Laurel and Carroll Avenues to exchange laughs and greetings.

Among the toddlers and kids, animal costumes seemed to be the most popular.    Princesses and superheroes were also plentiful.   One little girl, less than three years old, proudly showed off her blue princess dress and tiara, while she struggled to stay still in a pair of plastic heels.

The judges walked around giving long glances at each contestant. Parents snapped photos and chatted with neighbors. Finally, led by a hook-and-ladder truck from our own Takoma Park Volunteer Fire Department, the parade started moving up Carroll Avenue.  

Juice and cookies greeted families as they entered the party at Piney Branch Elementary School.   Once everyone was inside, contest organizers announced the winners.  

Toddler Maya Jones, dressed as a green dragon, was the first winner to be named. Also in the under-2 age group, Sofia Roeching, dressed as a lion, was awarded   the funniest costume, and Amrit Batada-Brown, dressed as a bird, was the most original.

In the 3 and 4 year old category, winners were Daniel Goldsmith (another dragon), Zoe Abramson (an overgrown baby), and Nathaniel Wethridge (a butterfly).  

Other winners included: Ruby Fitzpatrick,   most scary as an "axe murdered;" Alejandro Toledo, funniest as a Ninja turtle;   Joshua Baker, the most original as a tank engine; Ebony Ayling, scariest as a skeleton; Ben Segal, funniest as "Mr. Football;" and Kate Monroe and Bettie Payne together won most original in their age category as ketchup and mustard. In the 11 and 12 year old category, winners were Caroline Drogin, as a chicken that crossed the road, and Carine Riley as a cowgirl   in a horse.   Adult contestants Jodi Bloom, Paul Bradshaw and Dabrina Taylor won prizes for their costumes.