LAKEHURST – Numerous costumed individuals ranging from infants, children, teens, adults and even dogs prowled the streets for the annual Borough Halloween parade on Union Avenue.
The costumed characters assembled across from the Borough Hall and the ever-popular parade traveled down from Union Avenue to haunt the Lake Horicon pavilion and parking lot where refreshments were served and costumes were carefully judged.
A panel of judges faced the difficult task of choosing first, second and third place prizes for costumes in the following categories: Funniest, Scariest, Prettiest and Best Group or Duo.
The McPartlin and Seibert families came together to win first prize in the group category. “We are Snow White and the seven dwarfs. We had a witch too but she left,” Karen McPartlin remarked.
She said the parade and contest were part of the families’ Halloween tradition. “The kids do it every year but this was the first time we did it as a family. It is my two sons and their family and my daughter and son-in-law. We all live in Lakehurst.”
“The only one who doesn’t live in Lakehurst is Judy Hacket who was our witch. She got all her poison apples and left,” McPartlin said with a chuckle.
There was a reason behind why Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs theme was chosen. McPartlin explained, “I have seven grandchildren and because I have seven grandchildren and could potentially have an eighth, I figured this would be my last year to do Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.”
“It puts a lot of pressure on my daughter-in-law,” she said smiling. They all played the dwarves while she played Snow White.
“There were a lot of participants and we had a very nice parade down Union Avenue with the fire department and others. There were a lot of different families and a lot of beautiful costumes,” she added.
Members of the Wachendorf family of Lakehurst gathered at Lake Horicon following this year’s costume contest judging. The family included Briella, 11, as Velma from Scooby Doo; Madeline, 6, a winged fairy who took third place in the pretty category; Robert, 9, as SpongeBob’s Patrick; who took third place in the funny category; Odin, 4, as “Woody” from Toy Story – another prize winner who took third place in the group category.
Their mother, Kristine Wachendorf had the task of rounding them all up for a photo following the judging as they were enjoying some snacks and sipping from the juice boxes, reveling in their awards. “My son Patrick (who peeled out of his costume and was unable for the group photo) won third place for best group duo dressed as Buzz Lightyear from “Toy Story.” My dad is the captain of the First Aid Squad; I grew up in Lakehurst and my kids and I come here every single year.”
Not all of those costumed were humans. Bo, a big black dog was costumed as a lumber jack. He didn’t mind wearing a costume and was very friendly. “In fact if you walk by him and don’t touch him he’ll cry,” his owner and mom Lisa Heath said. “This was his first time in the parade. They didn’t do a dog contest. There was a lot of dogs out here this year. Bo is 7 and a pit mix,” she said. Her husband Jeff Heath came out as well and all three were having fun during the beautiful autumn morning.
This year’s Lakehurst Citizen of the Year, former Councilman Jim Davis judged Halloween decorations around town from October 24th to October 31st. Winners will be announced during the November 6 Borough Council meeting.
