Record-Breaking Crowds Enjoy Halloween Festivities

NYACK, NY ― The Nyack Chamber of Commerce hosted its 29th annual Halloween Parade Saturday. The event, sponsored by leading local merchants, once again broke records for color, creativity and the sheer size of the spectator crowd — estimated at over 20,000.

Four of Rockland County’s top bands set the beat, including the Nyack, Nanuet, East Ramapo and Clarkstown school marching bands, with additional rhythm supplied by the Nyack Drum Circle. Live music before and after the parade was offered up by Moshi Moshi band, Dave Reiss, Jeff Rubin, and Frankie D and The Boyz.

Additional parade highlights included performers from the Amazing Grace Circus!, the Suburbia Roller Derby of Westchester, Hudson Valley Harley Riders, Rockland Boulders, an array of classic cars, festooned fire trucks from the local departments — and of course, the scariest and wackiest costumes this side of Manhattan.

Guinness, Oak Beverages, and 5 Wits/West Nyack were parade sponsors.

With more than $2,000 in prize money on the table, contest entries for both floats and costumes were more inventive than ever, organizers said.

The Nyack Boat Club took the $750 first prize for best float with their dynamic “regatta” entry — eight small sailboats rounding a racing buoy, ably manned by local kids and led by captain P. Jon Marsh. Michael Altman and team’s “Wonka Express” took the $500 second prize with a fully hand-crafted float honoring Gene Wilder and capturing several scenes from the Chocolate Factory story, including a floating Charlie and Grandpa, the boat they rode in, and the Wonka gate — all adorned with oompa loompas and other characters from the classic film.

Under director Kim Cross’ leadership, the Nyack Center won the $250 third prize for a framed, “still life” recreation of Edward Hopper’s iconic painting “Nighthawks.” Hopper, whose Nyack home on North Broadway now welcomes the public for exhibitions and events, is an artist of worldwide renown; Nighthawks, portraying a late- night diner and its denizens, is Hopper’s most famous work and one of the most recognizable paintings in American art.

The costume entrants were just as creative as the floats, organizers said. Nearly 150 contestants competed in seven costume categories for the $650 in total costume prizes.

Marisol Diaz, with her beautifully constructed, three-dimensional “Witch Emerging From Pop-up Spell Book” costume, won first prize. The costume and mini-float met every one of the judges’ criteria for originality, workmanship and beauty/design.

Taking second prize, John Mulgrew continued his outstanding multi-year parade performance with his delightful “bubble bath” costume, complete with tub, bather and bubbles.

Fully equipped to handle the most stubborn of ghostly intruders, Cassandra King and Craig Farr nabbed the Best Couple prize for their amazingly handcrafted “Demented Busters” costumes and gear.

Best Group went to Alessandra Oliveira and her team for their “Game of Thrones” creation — fabulous, detailed costumes on adults, children…and dogs who were transformed into mythical min-dragons.

Prizes were also awarded to the three top competitors in the children’s category.

The much-anticipated prize awards ceremony was held after the parade, followed by live music, dancing and after-parties in local restaurants and night spots. Also immediately following the parade, Halloween revelers attended the Nyack Center’s tenth annual “Monster Mash” party featuring music, dancing, dinner buffet, and lots of spooky family fun.

“Hands down, Nyack is the place to be for Halloween,” said Scott Baird, Nyack Chamber President. “The parade sums up what Nyack is about -- you can’t find the creativity, energy and sheer fun anywhere else.”

PHOTOS/ Elise Passavant via Nyack Chamber of Commerce