Stockbridge — For Mike Meagher, the Stockbridge Halloween Parade and Pumpkin Walk is a longstanding tradition. But now, instead of being on the receiving end of treats, the volunteer firefighter is part of the fun, staffing the Stockbridge fire truck, greeting costumed children, and handing out candy.
“I’m 45 years in Stockbridge,” Meagher told The Berkshire Edge. “I used to do this when I was their age. I remember the old fire trucks, so now I’m on the other side of this.” The tradition continued with its 34th annual event on October 27, with Meagher noticing more Barbie costumes this year and one spectacular Waldo outfit.
Youth Librarian Rachel Nicholson said she loves working on the event, after having started her tenure at the Stockbridge Library during the pandemic. She led the program’s story time this year. “During COVID, we weren’t able to do big events like this, so to see it as big as it is and to have so many families in the community come out, it really means a lot to me to see how it’s grown,” Nicholson said.
Although the event used to include the town offices, a former school building, the celebration now boasts a parade that starts at The Red Lion Inn, with the children marching behind a fire truck, and ends at the library lawn, said Stockbridge Public Library Director Wendy Pearson. The program also includes a story time and Jack-O-Lantern walk through the gardens, as well as snacks—doughnuts and cider provided by Stockbridge Coffee and Tea.
According to Pearson, this year’s parade featured 150 attendees, with 90 people at the story time. The event is one of the library’s most popular events, she said, but the program remains consistent year over year. “It’s a great success, so not a lot changed [from the previous years],” Pearson said of the program’s itinerary. “The recipe’s working. Join us next year—it’s a lot of fun.”
