Costumed characters march together to entertain the spectators.
Ocean City’s downtown was overtaken by ghosts, superheroes, aliens, vampires and other costumed characters Thursday night for the 76th annual Halloween parade.
Sponsored by the Ocean City Exchange Club, the parade rolled down Asbury Avenue from Sixth to 11th streets, spreading both smiles and scares to families along the way.
The event featured commercial and private floats, dance teams, marching bands and costume contests.
Community members flaunted in their costumes and handed out candy as families lined the downtown sidewalks, cheering, laughing and holding out their trick-or-treat bags.
“It’s been the best parade in a while. They gave out so much candy,” said Elsie Jamison, who was with her children and parents. “My kids are happy, and their pockets are full of candy. It’s been an awesome event.”
Ashley Russo and her son, Hunter, enjoy their first Halloween parade in Ocean City.Ashley Russo and her son, Hunter, said they were excited to attend the Halloween parade for the first time. They dressed as a cowgirl and Harry Potter.
“This is my first nighttime parade,” Ashley Russo said. “I’ve only been to daytime parades before, so this is exciting.”
Hunter said he’s a big fan of the Harry Potter books, which is why he picked his costume. Tempted by the candy handouts, he was hoping to get as many Kit-Kats as possible.
“I’m most excited for the candy,” Hunter said. “That’s my favorite part.”
The Ghostbusters cop car rolls down Asbury Avenue.The parade featured separate costume contest divisions for contestants age 12 and under, over age 12, organized groups marching in costume, and even for animals and pets. All contest divisions were judged at 9th Street in front of City Hall.
“The Halloween parade is great,” said Kirk Hastings, who participated in the 12 and older costume contest dressed as the Green Hornet. “Once a year, I can pretend to be a superhero.”
Hastings has walked the parade for the past five Halloween seasons and said he most looks forward to marching in costume with the other contestants each year, rather than the competition itself.
“There's always a ton of really good costumes in this parade. It’s cool to see,” he said. “I’m not really in it for the trophies or anything. I just really enjoy participating and do it for the fun.”
Costume contestant Kirk Hastings dresses as the Green Hornet.Other costume contest entries included a few of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, an alien, a devil, minions from “Despicable Me,” zombies, scary clowns, and more. Medals and trophies will be awarded to the first and second place contestants in each division next week.
James Sheff and his partner, Kim, entered their three dogs in the pet costume contest, a division that was added last year. Their dogs, Luna, Bluey and Penelope, were dressed as an elderly lady, a squid and an octopus.
Sheff said they recently participated in Cape May’s pet costume contest and were excited to be attending Ocean City’s Halloween parade for the first time.
“We got first place in Cape May’s pet costume contest,” he said. “We were excited for this parade, especially since it’s our first time.”
James Sheff and his partner, Kim, show off their three dogs in costumes.The beloved Hobo Band, the Ocean City High School Marching Band and Drama Guild, the Mainland Regional High School Marching Band, and other local dance teams were also there performing for spectators.
Mary Beth Clark, owner and director of Dance Dynamics, said the studio has participated in the parade for more than 20 years, and likes to bring a positive spirit into the spooky night with their performance routine.
“What we really love to do is bring the spirit of joy and fun,” Clark said.
The Halloween parade is one of the dance team’s favorite events of the whole year, Clark said.
“It’s an amazing event for the community. We really appreciate this opportunity,” she said. “Ocean City nails this parade.”
The Shriver's float is cheered by spectators.
