Students march in the Keene Central School Halloween parade on Friday, Oct. 31. (Provided photo by Martha Allen)

KEENE VALLEY — It was touch and go at Keene Central School on Friday, Oct. 31. Would students in grade K-6 follow tradition and parade to the Keene Valley Neighborhood House, an assisted living facility, in their costumes as planned, or travel by bus?

Chilly rain was falling intermittently that morning, with more of the same predicted for the day. But people do love a parade, and so, dodging the raindrops, students and teachers struck out on foot.

The Halloween spirits must have been on their side, because they timed it perfectly, avoiding the showers. Around 1 p.m., children in grades k-6, disguised with makeup and costumes homemade or store-bought, poured from the school into the gray, overcast day and began to walk, single file, from Market Street to state Route 73 and on to the Neighborhood House.

Meanwhile, the Neighborhood House residents had been enjoying a “doggy parade,” staged by costumed staff. When the students got there, residents presented them with baggies of candy and treats they had filled themselves.

“The kids were great,” said Richard Rothstein, CEO/administrator. “The residents enjoyed seeing them in their costumes. We made an entire day of it (Halloween).”

After the KCS Halloween parade, first graders await their next activity in the hallway. Shown here, in the front, Beau Mills, and next in line, Hank Birofka. (Provided photo by Martha Allen)

True to tradition, parents and other enthusiasts had gathered along the route to watch and take photographs.

It was the traditional KCS parade, and, true to tradition, parents and other enthusiasts had gathered expectantly along the route to watch. At the Neighborhood House the children entertained the residents with a vocal performance of Halloween themed songs.

Halloween is a favorite holiday at Keene Central School.

Back at KCS, students in all grades, K-12, participated in various activities for the remainder of the day, rather than returning to their studies.

During the emergency phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Halloween parade, like so many other aspects of ordinary life, was disrupted, and the Neighborhood House was off limits to trick-or-treaters, even those willing to sing for their supper. Residents and entertainers alike evidently enjoyed the event.