On Halloween morning, about a hundred Newtown residents gathered for the annual Halloween Parade at the Newtown Community Center. Starting at 11 am, families started marching through the Community Center, into the Senior Center, and then out and through to the Municipal Center.

Seniors and municipal staff handed out candy to the gaggle of kids that were there with parents and grandparents. There were princesses, ninjas, Spidermen (and Spiderwomen), puppies, characters from Sesame Street, and so much more. The kids were excited to show off their costumes and trick-or-treat through the halls.

The seniors were overjoyed handing out candy to the kids, even the staff got in on the fun. Natalie Griffith, Wendy Devereaux, and Nicole Nicholson dressed as blue jays to pass out candy.

The tech department of the Municipal Center coordinated their efforts, too, the six of them creating an emoji keyboard. Smiles were all around, and not just on their bright yellow shirts.

First Selectman Jeff Capeci handed out candy, too, sporting a huge bag of Kit-Kats. Town Clerk Debbie Aurelia Halstead dressed up as well and decorated a cart for the kids to pick candy from. Officer Maryhelen McCarthy from the Newtown Police Department was there directing traffic and said she was dressed as a police officer.

Following the parade, the group met back in the Community Center for popcorn, crafts, games, and dancing.

To all those celebrating tonight, the staff at The Newtown Bee wishes everyone a safe, happy, healthy Halloween.

=====

Reporter Sam Cross can be reached at sam@thebee.com.