The night was alive with more than just the rustling of autumn leaves as Mays Landing held its annual Halloween Parade. A spectacle of spooks, a cacophony of costumes, and a parade of pumpkins made their way down Main Street under the watchful gaze of the moon, which seemed to approve with a wink of its crescent smile.
Best in Parade
Happy Haunted Parade
The ghostly ribbon for the Best in Parade was spirited away by the “Happy Haunted Parade,” an eerie and enchanting procession that could raise the dead with its Halloween cheer. Their float was an otherworldly wonder, a phantom’s delight that haunted the hearts of judges and bystanders alike. Congratulations to them for bewitching us all with their Halloween spirit!
Community Category: The Backbone of the Parade
Our local organizations cast a spell of awe and wonder, but only the most magical could claim the top spots.
1st Place – St. James Fallen Angels
These celestial beings might have tumbled from the heavens but landed right at the top. Their display was devilishly divine and sent shivers down our spines with a perfectly haunting harmony.
2nd Place – Miss Teen Avalon
She dazzled us like a witch’s brew with a hint of an eye of newt – enchanting, mysterious, and spellbinding. This sash-wearing sorceress has certainly cast her spell on Mays Landing.
3rd Place – Hamilton PTA
This group of parents and teachers brewed up a cauldron of creativity that bubbled over with Halloween spirit, proving that when it comes to Halloween, the Hamilton PTA isn’t just playing tricks; they’re serving up treats!
Commercial Category: The Monsters of Marketing
Businesses crept out from their lairs to show us their spooky side, and we were monstrously impressed.
1st Place – Margaritaville by Mid-Atlantic Hurricane Shutters
They brought a storm of applause with their float. Each shutter was a page in a tale of terror and tequila that captured the essence of a haunted holiday in paradise.
2nd Place – Kramer Beverages
Their float was no mere phantom fizz. It was a witch’s brew of the finest hops and barley, a potion to quench the thirst of every ghoul and boy.
3rd Place – Iron Ranch Stables
They rode in not on broomsticks but on steeds that could gallop into the night, leaving only a cloud of mystery and hay dust in their wake. A hoof-clapping show, indeed!
Performance Category: The Dance of the Damned
The night was alive with more than just spirits; it was a symphony of synchronized sorcery and bewitched ballet.
1st Place – Mays Landing Dance Works
They twirled and tapped into our souls with a performance so entrancing the audience was left wondering if they’d been put under a spell.
2nd Place – Jill’s Twirlers
With batons that spun like a warlock’s wand, they conjured a spectacle that mesmerized and amazed. A twirling triumph!
3rd Place – Not Another Oompa Loompa Band
This ensemble marched to the beat of their own drum, a rhythm that resonated with the undead and the living alike. Their tunes were a treat no ghost could resist.
Performance Category: The Dance of the Damned
Winner: The ‘Cantona Family’ with their “Beyond The Bulkhead and Into The Sea” float, a nautical wonder that dived deep into our Halloween hearts. This seafaring spectacle hooked the judges, reeling in the top spot with waves of creativity and splashes of Halloween fun!
Thanks for Participating
We extend our congratulations to the ghouls, ghosts, and goblins who participated in this year’s parade. You’ve all shown that the spirit of Halloween is alive and well (or should we say undead and well?) in Mays Landing.
Until next year’s parade, keep your spirits and candy bowls full. We’ll be witching you a Happy Halloween!
P.S.: Our apologies for the spine-tingling delay in announcing the winners. Our committee of ancient ghouls still relies on rotary phones and messenger pigeons for communication—a frightfully slow process enough to raise the hairs on a ghost’s transparent neck. Rest assured, the results are now here faster than a vampire at a blood bank. Thank you for being so patient!