This custom made carriage and costumed crew was the highlight of the parade for me. (photo by Peter Finkle, 2023
This was my favorite family and friends group in the parade. I spoke with “mom” Karen. The human names of these characters, from left to right, are: Roxanne Platt, Bill Caldwell, Michael Platt, Karen Platt and LeeAnn Caldwell. The Platt family live in Ashland and love to go all-out for Halloween. The carriage was custom made by their friend Bill, who lives with his wife LeeAnn in the San Francisco Bay Area. He designed the carriage to be disassembled into small parts for travel, then reassembled here in Ashland.
Who would marry these three scary “brides?” (photo by Peter Finkle, 2023)
This Super Hero family is here “to save the day.” (photo by Peter Finkle, 2023)
Has Princess Leia gone to the dark side? (photo by Peter Finkle, 2023)
Harry Potter and his family came to Ashland’s Halloween parade this year. (photo by Peter Finkle, 2023)
Unusual (to me) characters
Gene Tresenfeld came from the star Arcturus to uplift humanity. (photo by Peter Finkle, 2023)
Keegan Van Hook went incognito with this eerie look. (photo by Peter Finkle, 2023)
Every time I noticed this green creature carrying this young human, I did a double-take. (photo by Peter Finkle, 2023)
I need help with these …
Could this be Jackie Kennedy and friend in Ashland’s Halloween parade? (photo by Peter Finkle, 2023)
The costumes and masks of these four characters are outstanding. Added Note: David Intersimone told me this is the Nick and Barbara Tennant family and a friend. (photo by Peter Finkle, 2023)
Help me out, please. I see a spider and a ??? (photo by Peter Finkle, 2023) ADDED NOTE: A reader named Adams informed me that the white costume represents a medieval bubonic plague doctor. The long mask was thought to protect the doctor from the poisons that might cause the plague.
This huge, scary creature was led down the street by two young cheerleaders. I don’t get it, either. (photo by Peter Finkle, 2023) ADDED NOTE: A reader named Adams informed me this creature is a Landrider from the Dark Crystal movie and series, and the cheerleaders represent the young people who befriend them.
More and more
Some of the Ashland Middle School and Ashland High School band members brought their music to the 2023 Halloween parade. (photo by Peter Finkle, 2023)
I saw many costumed dogs. This is my only dog photo. (photo by Peter Finkle, 2023)
Something about this scene appealed to me. We have the 1912 Ashland Library building, the 1929 Mickelson-Chapman statue and the 2023 Halloween revelers. (photo by Peter Finkle, 2023)
Beautiful wooden staff, leather mask and flowing cape all look too “real” to be a “costume.” (photo by Peter Finkle, 2023)
The end of the tale (or — the “tail end”)
“Three tails” — I think that says it all for this photo. (photo by Peter Finkle, 2023)
CLICK HERE to see my previous Halloween costumes photo essay.
Huge scary creature lead by two cheerleaders was a landstrider from the dark crystal series/movie.. sort of a Henson muppet.
The ??? was a physician from medieval era — the mask and robe was supposed to ward off the black plague.. they thought it was transmitted by evil vapors.. hence the long nose on the mask.
John Richards
Posted at 09:31h, 03 NovemberYou have a good eye, Peter!
Lori Conners
Posted at 01:52h, 03 NovemberLove seeing the Halloween parade photos Peter! Thanks for the essay
Adams
Posted at 00:50h, 03 NovemberHuge scary creature lead by two cheerleaders was a landstrider from the dark crystal series/movie.. sort of a Henson muppet.
The ??? was a physician from medieval era — the mask and robe was supposed to ward off the black plague.. they thought it was transmitted by evil vapors.. hence the long nose on the mask.
Peter Finkle
Posted at 15:35h, 03 NovemberThank you for adding to my knowledge of the Halloween costumes. I will update the photo essay with your tips.
Peter
Sharon laskos
Posted at 17:07h, 02 NovemberThanks Peter! Almost like being there.