I had a great time last year traipsing around the neighborhood in my Harlem Harajuku costume. I got creative with what I had, which wasn’t much–a dashiki, black lipstick and feather lashes. It worked.
This year, though I have no idea what I am going to be for Halloween, I do know where you might find me. There is plenty a’gwan for kids and adults alike.
SATURDAY, OCT. 27
12-4 p.m. – The 116th Street Make My Cake location will be having a Halloween celebration for the kids with movies, face painting, costume contest, design-a-pumpkin and more! Drop the kids back home and return for festivities for the parents 6-10 p.m.!
1-4 p.m. – The Mount Morris Park Community Improvement Association Costume Parade Contest begins in front of the Marcus Garvey Park Toddler Playground at West 124th Street. The grand marshal will lead the spooky group in and around Marcus Garvey Park. Be sure to bring noisemakers, drums, rattles and whistles! Best baby, child, adult and pet costumes will be awarded! There will be art projects and games for ghosts of all ages. (Rain location: Pelham Fritz Center.)
SUNDAY, OCT. 28
12-4 p.m. – Head to the Jackie Robinson Park Bandshell for the return of the “Halloween Spooktacular,” just for the kids! Go in costume and enjoy carnival games and treats, a pumpkin patch and a costume disco dance party. Music provided by 9-year-old DJ Fulano. Adults can enjoy vendors at the Sweet Spot marketplace. Contact sweetspotfest@gmail.com for more details.
4-6:30 p.m. – Halloween Parade and Pumpkin Sail at the Harlem Meer. Wear your costume and bring a carved jack-o’-lantern before 5:30 p.m. for spooky music, marshmallow crafts, live entertainment, a parade and New York City’s largest pumpkin flotilla at twilight. Jack-o’-lantern size, weight and decoration restrictions will apply.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 31: HALLOWEEN NIGHT!
5-7 p.m. – Trick-or-treating around Mount Morris Park neighborhood! Kids will enjoy climbing up and down the stoops to fill those loot bags. Visit www.mmpcia.org for a list of participating homes.
10 p.m. – Get in the Ghost Groove at Ginny’s (downstairs at Red Rooster Harlem) Halloween party. $10 general admission, costumes are mandatory. Visit www.ginnyssuperclub.com for more details.
There’s lots to do this Halloween. I hope you get out there and let your hair down. Watch out for the sugar high. Candy in moderation.
Enjoy, get eating and thanks for reading!
Kysha Harris is a food writer, culinary producer, consultant and owner of SCHOP!, a personalized food service offering weekly and in-home entertaining packages. Questions? Comments? Requests? Feedback? Invitations! Email her at kysha@iSCHOP.com, follow her on Twitter @SCHOPgirl, “like” SCHOP! on Facebook or chat with her on Instant Messenger at AskSCHOP, Monday-Friday, 6-8 p.m. For even more recipes, tips and food musings, subscribe to her blog at www.talkingSCHOP.wordpress.com.