Monsters, Princesses, & Drum Majors March On Henry Street
By Henry Street Settlement
The streets of the Lower East Side overflowed with superheroes instead of SUVs as neighborhood residents celebrated an early Halloween at Henry Street’s first Kids Halloween Costume Parade & Party on Sunday on October 28. Monsters and princesses alike marched to the beat of the NYPD Marching Band, thanks to the New York City Police Department 7th Precinct, an event co-sponsor.
Henry Street Executive Director and Warlock David Garza said though the event was a first for Henry Street, it had its roots in our history: “Our founder Lillian Wald hosted pageants in the neighborhood for kids and families on the Lower East Side. Carrying that on with a Halloween event seemed natural.”
Garza thanked event organizer, longtime Henry Street team member, and L.E.S. Champ (as her boxer costume proclaimed) Debbie Cox for organizing the event.
The NYPD Marching Band gave spirited performances of classics like “Louie, Louie” while leading the parade through the streets from Abrons Arts Center to Henry M. Jackson Playground for an afternoon party. Partygoers enjoyed carnival games, face painting, snacks, and a DJ. volunteers from the Rotaract Club of New York at the United Nations disturbed free children’s books collected by Elroy Gay, Founder of LES Tha 6 Boro. Families posed for photos with pumpkins and corn stalks donated by Earth Gardens. Refreshments included treats by the new neighborhood Trader Joe’s.
Henry Street’s Community Advisory Board awarded the costume contest winners with free tickets to Jack & The Beanstalk, back this December at Abrons Arts Center due to popular demand. Jack‘s Cow and Silly Simon made an appearance for photos.
New York State Senator Brian Kavanagh joined the party to wish everyone a happy Halloween and to remind everyone to vote in the upcoming November 6th election.
The Kids Halloween Costume Parade & Party was co-sponsored by both the New York City Police Department 7th Precinct and Basketball City.
The Kids Halloween Costume Parade & Party was featured on Fox5 and NY1. Videos to come.
