A sunny autumn day at peak foliage provided the perfect setting as 170 cars traversed preserved land to enjoy D&R Greenway’s Masquerade Parade on Halloween.
Eager parade-goers were welcomed with a new painting by nationally renowned cartoonist Patrick McDonnell, creator of the “Mutts” comic strip, while characters Earl and Mooch greeted lucky parade-goers, according to information provided by D&R Greenway.
Ten floats held surprise after surprise on the theme “We Love LAND Because…” with hand-painted canvases, a “sailboat” with a true-to-size replica sturgeon, a forest full of wild creatures and an acrobatic presentation. A colorful French Flower Market in a 1960s-era red convertible and a musical guessing game were among the first encountered by cars decorated with spiders, black cats and ghoulish props/
The historic barn on the land trust’s St. Michaels Farm Preserve in Hopewell was the backdrop as local musicians played guitars while suffragettes waved, and a hand-carved sculptural depiction of the classic “American Gothic” painting by Farm Manager Bill Flemer amazed onlookers.
Takeaways included a newly published children’s book, seed packets and nature-themed treats in a Halloween Goodie Bag.
This unique answer to celebration in COVID-TIME provided a day-long experience of community that will be long remembered, according to the statement. Proceeds raised support D&R Greenway’s mission to preserve and care for open space and farms, and inspire a conservation ethic, now and forever.