“Listen! The wind is rising, and the air is wild with leaves. We have had our summer evenings, now for October eves!” –Humbert Wolfe, popular British author of the 1920s
We are nearing the end of October, which brings one of my favorite holidays! I’m partial to Halloween, I admit. For kids, it’s just magical. I actually got married on Halloween, which was so much fun. I’ll never forget our wedding cake: It was a delicious carrot cake made by master baker Karen English, who was the baker for Le Grenier and La Patisserie at the time. It was decorated with the most beautiful autumn leaves and pumpkins I have ever seen, all handmade.
Another famous Island cake designer made a masterpiece for Jenna and Zach Sylvia’s wedding in September. Judy Pachico was a well-known cakemaker in the ’70s and ’80s, and happens to be Zach’s grandmother. She created a gorgeous tiered wedding cake that included figures of the couple, with their two dogs and one cat, and strewn with their favorite flowers. It was really a shame to cut into this one, but it was enjoyed by all.
This weekend brings Halloween to Oak Bluffs! It starts on Thursday night, the 26th, with the Zombie Bar Crawl. Meet other undead friends at Post Office Square at 7 pm to make your way through town, having beverages and fun, and freaking people out.
On Saturday, Oct. 28, don your costumes and head down to Post Office Square. Register at Island Outfitters from 12 to 2 pm for the all-ages costume contest. At 2 pm, the costume parade will begin in front of Island Theater. At 2:30, trophies and prizes will be awarded in several categories. Trick-or-treat around town, and enjoy the Oak Bluffs School pumpkin display and the scarecrows created by the M.V. Charter School fundraiser. Thank you to the Oak Bluffs Association for making all this fun.
There will be pumpkin decorating from 1 to 4 pm on the Dockside Inn front porch. Enchanted Chocolates will host a sweet open house up on Chapman Avenue from 1 to 4 pm. The Strand Theater will be offering free movies, starting with “E.T.” at 3 pm, and then “Frankenstein” at 7 pm.
The evening’s finale will bring the Extraordinary Rendition Band back to Oak Bluffs, with a New Orleans–style marching musical parade on Circuit Ave. from 7 to 8 pm. The parade will begin in front of the Loft at 7 pm. The OBA is looking for donations to cover the costs of bringing these bands to Oak Bluffs to make our town Halloween celebration special. You can donate at obamv.com; click Events.
Watch for the full moon to rise on Saturday also. This moon is called the “Hunter Moon,” and this year it coincides with a partial lunar eclipse. The eclipse may be somewhat visible for us; the big, bright moon will appear to have a shadow across it. The Farmers’ Almanac says that the moon’s name is for this time of year, when humans and animals would be hunting in preparation for winter.
Since actual Halloween is Oct. 31, you can spend “Halloween on the Hill” at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, from 4:30 to 7:30 pm. The museum is preparing a unique trick-or-treat experience with frights and fun throughout the campus. Don your costume and bring the family for spooky stories, multiple treat stations, snacks, and more.
Attention, seniors — your input is needed! The Oak Bluffs Council on Aging is conducting a community survey to find out what people need, enjoy, or would like to see happen at the senior center. You do not have to live in Oak Bluffs to participate in the survey. There are many ways to access the survey. It’s online at surveymonkey.com/r/9KBV58W, or you can pick up a paper survey at the Town Hall, or you can call Donna Joyce at 508-627-1511, and she will deliver one to you. Donna and the others on the board of the COA really want to hear from you!
Happy birthday on Oct. 26 to Judy O’Donoghue and Evelyn Vertefeuille, two ladies who worked tirelessly in early childhood education, and continue to educate and inspire! Erika Oliver celebrates on Oct. 27. On the 28th, birthday balloons go to Lori Katsounakis, Shawn Shaw, and Emily Hartford. DJ Henry was born on Oct. 29, and though his life was too short, his legacy lives on. Sending love to his family on his day. My favorite witches were born on Oct. 31: Renee Nolan, Kathy Laskowski, and Mary Beth Meehan. These three are constantly traveling around the world casting good spells! Happy birthday, ladies, wherever you are!
We start November with birthday wishes for Anne Davey, Adam Rebello, and Annemarie Donahue on Nov. 1.
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If you have any Oak Bluffs Town Column suggestions, email Joanne Lambert, joannelamber@gmail.com.