On the heels of an ominously early nor’easter, sub-50-degree winds blew into New Paltz for Halloween, trying finally to denude the trees for that extra creepy look of bare branches. It was much cooler than last year’s celebration, but even those dressed in skimpy outfits seemed unwilling to cede the day. The last time Halloween was on a weekend was in 2020, and that year the fears over a pandemic outweighed the horrors of a cultural holiday—despite happening under the bright light of a full moon. The urge to return to a full night of costumed characters and questionable dietary choices has been building ever since, and exploded into a climactic community collaboration such as not been seen in far too long.

It built up over days and weeks, with haunted tours on Huguenot Street and numerous

See Full Page