Costumed Residents Celebrate Halloween in Scotch Plains, Fanwood

The drizzly weather didn't stop hundreds of residents from coming out to the annual Fanwood-Scotch Plains Costume Contest and Parade, put on by the recreation departments in both towns. 

After a trunk-or-treat at the Fanwood Library and the parade down to LaGrande Park, the annual costume contest began. Revelers also participated in the pumpkin carving contest, enjoyed refreshments and made crafts provided by Fanwood's Be Craftful.

Among the characters, who took turns strutting around the pavement by age group, were a bottle of bubbles, two people with their heads in jars, Little Bo Peep and even the Mona Lisa. Check out photos of some of the costumes in our gallery. 

Winners in the contest (and nearly every participant is a winner) each received an envelope with a two-dollar bill, as is tradition. 

"I am extremely thankful that everybody came out even though it looked like it might rain at any moment," Fanwood Recreation Director Bob Budianksy told Patch. "We had a great event, a great turnout, great volunteers, and wonderful costumes – some of the most imaginative, scary, spooky costumes I've seen in years."