Every year, on the night of October 31 from four to nine p.m., a spooky witch makes an appearance at the Walnut Beach Creamery Halloween Parade. The parade allows friends and family to come together on Halloween night, dressed up to enjoy some ice cream from the Creamery.
Susan Patrick, the founder and owner of the Walnut Beach Creamery, says, “The goal of the parade is to bring the community together.”
The parade started 17 years ago when Patrick invited her neighbors to the Walnut Beach Creamery to be a part of the parade, led by witches and warlocks. S. Patrick intends to give back to her supportive neighbors and the Milford community. Patrick says, “It is a fun time for young kids who love trick-or-treating around the area.”
During the event, Patrick gives ice cream free of charge to kids who have come dressed up. October 31 marks the last date before the shop’s six-month closure until its re-opening in the summer.
The event itself starts at five p.m. with people dressed up, throwing candy off the roof to the people below. There is a DJ, a face painter, and sweet treats to bring more fun and excitement to the celebration. The spooky witch is announced and other witches appear out of the creamery at six p.m.. This year Patrick says a warlock will be an addition to the Parade. Once all of the witches gather in front of the Creamery, they lead the parade around the block ringing bells to ward off the bad spirits. According to the Walnut Beach Creamery website, you can bring bells and help the warlocks and witches scare away any bad spirits.
Sophomore Chloe Marchesseault who has been working for the Creamery for about seven months, says, “The parade is a wonderful way to celebrate Halloween, especially for young kids who are trick-or-treating in the area.”
During the parade, employees help customers meet the witch and pick out some delicious flavors. This season, they have new flavors like Pumpkin Chip, Cinnabon, Butterbeer, Apple Crisp, Bourbon Baby, and a new Apple Cider sundae. Marchessealut explains that “this sundae is made with an apple cider donut on the bottom, three scoops of ice cream of your choice, our apple cinnamon sauce, whipped cream, and a cherry.”
The Walnut Beach Halloween Parade is not just about dressing up, but it’s also helping the Milford community come together. Many people of varying ages join to celebrate Halloween night. This tradition keeps Milford’s community strong while enjoying some ice cream.
