PHOTOS: Wall Twp Residents Win National Costume Contest

WALL, NJ - These young Wall Township residents “put a spell” on audiences across the country.

According to their moms, best friend trio Alexandra, Vivienne and Alaina have been inseparable since they were toddlers and continue to dance competitively five days a week at East Coast Dance Company. On Oct. 30, the seven year olds were named the winners of the #MyTODAYPlazaween costume contest on NBC’s Today.

“Because we are like sisters and dance in a trio together, one of the dance moms (who is also a photographer) had the idea for us to be the Sanderson Sisters,” the winners told Patch on Monday. “Since we LOVE Hocus Pocus and our personalities are so similar [to] the characters, we decided it was a great idea.”

The trio promptly bought the costumes at a local Spirit Halloween store and recruited their moms for makeup duties for some dress-up fun and a photo shoot. However, it wasn’t until a family friend suggested submitting a photo to the Today Show that the girls considered entering the competition. Alexandra, Vivienne and Alaina were entered into the contest on Oct. 26 for initial voting (garnering 54 percent of the vote), later being chosen as finalists to compete among three other groups for the Oct. 30 Halloween spectacular.

“There was some tough competition so when they announced us as the overall winners we were really excited,” the trio said. “We are so thankful for our Wall Township neighbors for supporting us and voting for us. We were so proud to be representing our amazing community.”

Of the four final groups, two hail from Monmouth County: alongside Alexandra, Vivienne and Alaina, the Thomas family of Marlboro came dressed as George Washington and King George III from the musical Hamilton.

So, how did Halloween 2020 turn out for the Sanderson sisters? On Oct. 31, Alexandra, Vivienne and Alaina went trick or treating followed by a Halloween party with close friends and family. To celebrate their victory, the girls dined at their favorite breakfast spot, Mariners Cove in Brielle.

Proud mom Stacie Cox notes that the girls have been rewarded by friends, family and neighbors for their win:

“All week they have been showered with gifts from friends and family including matching pajamas, edible arrangements, toys and treat baskets,” Cox said. “On a funny note, when the girls are asked about their victory they say, ‘We're going to Hollywood baby!’”