GRAND GORGE — The Annual Grand Gorge Gremlin Halloween Party elves have outdone themselves this year. It was a grand party. Now, I should say, the past years have always been fun and well worth going. But, this year was inspired. The gym was transformed into the greeting card Halloween image as if designed by the masters of seasonal display. The children out did themselves in portraying the classic spooks and ghouls.
As you know, it takes a village to raise a children's Halloween party. Cindy's Farm Stand, in Roxbury donated a plentitude of pumpkins. Perry's Farm Stand, on the other end of Roxbury, presented a plethora of pumpkins as well. Well, to be quite accurate, it takes a few villages to do the job properly. RSK Boutique Farm Stand in Prattsville also donated to the festivities. Dollar General stepped up to the plate (the front lines of freakyness and fright?) Speaking of generals leading from the front, Jennifer and Steve Martin led in the field. Many others made up this village effort. Among them: Tonya Jo, Joy Johnson,Tyler Hempstead, Serenity Curless, Stacy Hanley, Eileen & Eric Lepetit,Tom O'Brien and Renate Rennie. There was all sorts of wonderful food, much of it prepared and donated by Grand Gorge's own, Stacey Trent of "Frosted By Stacey." staceytrent85@gmail.com. Albano's Farm lent a tractor and hay trailer for the hayride, driven by Nathan Potter, and Constable Steven Williamson (ret.) led in his vehicle. Once all arms and elbows on the high school basketball court, then the right arm of the law, he was on hand to lend a helping hand to young and old getting on and off the hayride. Amber Mattice-Rikard performed expert face painting.
At 3 PM , the costume contest was an explosion of creativity. Here are the winners in most of the categories: Older teens Pennywise, first prize; Evil Princess, second prize. Younger teens: Princess, first prize; Cowhand on a dinosaur, second prize. Youngest set: Cookie Monster, first prize, Vampire Queen, second prize.
Let us remember the important work the organizers of this party do for the local community and give to the food pantry. If you can, buy a few extra cans and drop them off at the Grand Gorge Civic Center when the pantry is open Thursdays every week, open from 10 AM - Noon. Put the pantry on your list of holiday gift giving. As the Martins say, it is about people helping people.
