PORTSMOUTH — From shiny spacemen to butterflies to pirates, colorful costumes were fluttering in the brisk wind as marchers assembled Oct. 31 at Peirce Island for the start of the 30th Portsmouth Halloween Parade .

Billed as an “all-inclusive celebration of community, creativity and free expression,” this unique parade boasts trained performers as well as the everyday folks, including the Portsmouth Thriller dancers .

Russ Grazier is the 2025 grand marshal for the parade, which is independently organized.

'New veteran' of Portsmouth Thriller

This group practices the routine, set to Micheal Jackson’s Thriller, for weeks ahead of the big night. Kat Anania, of Portsmouth, said she is a "new veteran" of the Thriller boot camp.

“This has been so much fun,” Anania said. “I've always wa

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