By MADDY VITALE
Where else could you find ghosts, goblins, Mickey and Minnie Mouse and Woody from Toy Story. Oh, and the Phillie Phanatic, too?
In Sea Isle City, of course.
And on Friday, a cool but mild night, kids dressed as dinosaurs or their favorite Avenger Superheroes and there was even a unicorn or two.
They lined up along Landis Avenue between 45th to 40th Street to watch the annual Halloween Parade unfold, a grand procession featuring colorful floats and cars carrying people in costumes ranging from frightful to frighteningly cute.
Oh, and for the lucky kids, parade participants tossed out candies for them to scoop up.
Melissa Preuhs, of Upper Township, brought her children, Mason, 7, and Ella, 5, to enjoy the parade with their cousins, Skylar Preuhs, 5, and 3-year-old Anthony.
Out of the four children, Mason, who was dressed as Captain America, had a good idea what he wanted to see most at the parade.
“I can’t wait until the candy comes,” Mason exclaimed.
He followed that up with, “I want to see bats and skeletons and dead people, too!”
Sister Ella summed up what she wanted out of the parade: “Candy!” she shouted.
For sisters-in-law Preuhs and Amanda Preuhs, also of Upper Township, the parade is a perfect example of Sea Isle’s family friendly entertainment.
“They love the parade and they love the dance party afterwards,” Melissa said. “They get out all of their energy and then they go to sleep.”
Amanda added, “The parade is just a great way to bring out the community for a fun night.”
Also entertaining the crowds were the Hobo String Band out of Pitman, N.J., and the Mummers, who glided along the street in sequined costumes.
Some people clapped, while others danced along in the street.
Police, fire, and beach patrol vehicles also rode by with people who tossed candies to the children.
Sea Isle Police Chief Tom McQuillen was among the parade marchers, handing candies out to the kids.
Melissa Cooper, of Nanticoke, Pa., brought along her dog, Maisy, to enjoy the parade. The Australian-shepherd mix came in costume as a bumblebee.
“My parents have a home here. This is my first time at the parade. It’s great,” Cooper said as she patted Maisy, who didn’t seem to mind the sounds of sirens and a string band.
Organizers couldn’t say exactly how many years Sea Isle has had the parade but estimated that it has been at least 30.
Sea Isle City Councilwoman Mary Tighe danced along with the Phillie Phanatic, joined by friend Michele Morrisson, of Sea Isle.
“Many people come out for the parade. It’s a great parade. It is fun for the community. This is what it is all about,” Tighe said. “We are a weekend town. Our streets, restaurants and stores are all still busy all the way up through December.”
Carol and Gregory McLaren, who own a vacation home in Sea Isle, love what they say makes the community special.
“There is that small-town feel,” Carol said as the two of them watched the parade.
“We love Sea Isle,” Gregory added.
The Halloween Family Dance Party and Awards Ceremony followed at the Excursion Park Band Shell immediately after the parade.
