As I've previously intimated, Halloween in Mt Airy is serious business! Make no mistake. Every year, this event gets bigger and bigger. The parents whose children participate are forever grateful to the residents of the Henry School area. YOU make this such a success. Three cheers to you!

We arrived at Henry School, Green Street and Carpenter Lane (Mt Airy neighborhood of Philadelphia, Zip 19119), at 6:25pm to find that we should have arrived sooner.

Crowds were already out and the party was in full swing. This is new. In years past, the parade was the opening event. Now, things seem to have changed and there are pre-parade events.

In front of High Point Cafe, there was a live band brass playing....lots of different instruments, including tuba. There was a large crowd around them and everyone was already in high spirits. People were clapping and moving to the music. We were frantic to find a parking place. I was driving, and accompanied by my daughter's best friend's mom - and the kids, of course.

As we parked and walked over ,they finished up. So sorry to have missed them!

On the southeast corner (in front of the organic furniture store, which I thought was a yoga studio - not sure now) were a series of chairs set out on the corner - auditorium style. It looked like they were just finishing a magic show or something...and witches were stirring a huge pot of something that was steaming (dry ice?).On the other 2 corners - Weavers Way and Henry School, people were just gathering and greeting one another.I did not get photos. At the moment when we saw the witches stirring the pot, we noticed that 500 kids and happy adults were crammed onto Green Street, and the parade was moving - rounding the corner. The streets were starting to fill and the cars were getting the message - Leave now, while you can! As soon as we rounded then bend onto Green Street, we saw a sea of people. Literally, the parade has just begun and I could see the floats (YES, there were floats!) rounding the bend at the opposite corner, but we were down in front of Weavers Way and the crowd was all the way down there. Literally, the entire block of Green was full of people. I asked my daughter's friend's mom how many people she estimated and she thought at least 500.I tried to take a photo, but my flash isn't strong enough from that distance. So, we ran to the front to get photos of the "floats" (they were strapped down, so they didn't float up, but they were inflated and BIG) and the Parade leader (there's a name for them - I forget what you call parade leaders - he had one of those light-up swords). The jack-o-lanterns were amazing, as always. See above photo - these were on most porches and steps. Some homes had as many as 10-15 of them.

West Mt Airy Town-Watch is to be commended. They had people on almost every corner and people walking the streets wearing their townwatch gear. In hindsight, now that we realize that this was the day that Officer Cassidy was murdered in neaby Oak Lane, and a murderer was on the loose, the presence of the WMA Town-Watch and the police cars leading us in the parade is even more significant.

I personally know parents who refused to take their children trick-or-treating that night, due to safety concerns. WMA felt totally safe to me.

Lots of people were carrying those multicolored light-up swords ; kids had so many great costumes! Parents also had great costumes. And, lots of little wee little babies in those little snuggly costumes (pooh, tigger, chicken, bunny, etc). So cute!

Also lots of dressed-up dogs. As always we were led by the police.I did notice that we didn't have the police cars to block off the traffic as we came through each block, so some cars just had to pull to the side and wait for us to pass. People were good sports in their cars. One lady just started to laugh as everyone went over to her car and started to yell "trick or treat" and held out their bags. Too funny! She laughed - good sport.

As always, the music was pumping and I got a good shot of the wagon that produces the music.

As we went along, our parade started to break up as kids became more interested in filling their bags. The hosting residents were sitting out on their steps or porches, as usual. I just love these people for their enthusiasm!The homes: Wow!!!! Another amazing year. I didn't see the "flying ghost" this this year, nor the "hanged man". But, the "haunted house" was in full swing and there were 2 ladies doing fortune telling at another home - one with tarot cards and another with palm reading.

The jack-o-lanterns were everywhere. Some homes had fog machines, others had black lights.

I did notice one new thing this year and I am trying to figure out which home was offering it - glasses of WINE! I noticed some parents were strolling with glasses of wine. I asked them which house was giving that away and they told me to check out Westview Street. I didn't get to Westview this year, but I will plan to get there early next year for the "adult trick or treat!".

All of the hosting residents were out on their porches with smiles and well-wishes...and lots and LOTS of candy! These are the people who make Mt Airy special.

Ok, so the parents were all in good spirits and it was good to see all of the familiar faces I see in the neighborhood - and I met a few new people.

Some of the homes were outrageously scary! This one home had a mummy in the window and he looked like he wanted OUT!

The kids all had a fantabulous time! And so did the adults.The costumes were so creative. Nobody can accuse Mt Airy of being apathetic about Halloween costumes. I think I heard that this kid was dressed as the Presidential budget.I cannot express enough gratitude to the residents who plan this for us - and who stock up on all that candy - who dress their homes and themselves - and who give up a night of quiet for the onslaught that invades your lovely few blocks each year on this night.

This young lady was Edward Scissor-hands! And, in true Mt Airy style, she carries her recyclable, Whole Foods trick-or-treat bag

It is really like putting on a show - for free - in your home - for hundred of children you don't know. THANK YOU - THANK YOU - THANK YOU....and BRAVO for another amazing year of Halloween fun!As we reached our starting point, back down by Weavers with plans to immediately head to the car, we heard music coming from east on Carpenter Lane.

(Yes, Miquon is having an open house, per the sign)

We walked down and, in front of the art gallery with the tree in the window (sorry, don't know the name), there was another live musical "jam session" going on. And, we were treated to a digital image show on a large screen with pictures from last year's Halloween parade event. The photographer was out with his camera, taking photos in preparation for next year's show. The band was in full swing. People were dancing in their costumes. As people walked up, the band members and artists yelled "hey! Look! you are on the screen from last year!" and called the people (children and adults) by name. Everybody knows everybody. A small town within a big city. That's what we are. So cool!!

There's no place like Mt Airy! Thanks to you all!!