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Halloween Hoopla

Led by the La Entrada and Hillview Middle School bands, hundreds of costumed kids and their parents paraded down Santa Cruz Avenue on Oct. 27 in an early celebration of Halloween.

After assembling at Maloney Street and Santa Cruz Avenue, Slender Man, Captain Hook, Tinkerbell, and Honey Boo Boo proceeded to Fremont Park for music, crafts and entertainment before splitting to trick-or-treat at local merchants' stores.

The stroller set was well represented at the parade. Ayla Dendi, 16 months, toddled about as Wonder Woman, while clutching her baby bottle. Her sister, Aranya, 4, was Super Woman.

Finn Christensen, 2-1/2, was a poised Captain Hook, complete with penciled mustache and foil-covered hook. He wore a handsome costume made by his grandmother, Jan Christensen.

Grandma and Grandpa (via a Disney store) were also responsible for the beautiful Tinker Bell costume of pale green tulle with sparkling fairy wings worn by Lainey Egnal, 5. They also provided her brother, Zach, 3, with a handsome Peter Pan outfit.

Jasmine Palin, 2, was dressed in multi-hued pink tulle and sparkles as Honey Boo Boo, the latest reality show star. Her mom made the costume.

Grown-ups also joined in the fun. Amy Cavanaugh was striking as Strawberry Shortcake, complete with pink gingham mini, striped green tights and ruby slippers. Dads' outfits ranged from a '60s Afro and peace T-shirt to Count Dracula.

Along with music, crafts, and giveaways, the main entertainment was admiring each others' costumes while enjoying the small-town atmosphere of Menlo Park's Halloween parade.