Two classics tied for first place: witches and cats. Second place were kids with no costumes, unapologetic but often with humourous attitudes. "I am here as myself." "He's a good boy" (from the mom!). Spidermen and vampires tied for third place. The Spiderman costumes varied greatly and included numerous homemade depictions from the various Spidey universes. Two other classics tied for fourth place: ghosts and grim reapers, both with a mix of homemade and commercial costumes.
There were lots of interesting original ideas and lots of fine homemade costumes.
Our picks for best costumes were -
* For Older Kids: Vax'ildan character from "Critical Role" series with working wings with a tie between a completely articulated Warhammer Space Marine and a Mandolorian with distressed armour and weapons, all homemade.
* For middle school kids: An amazing duo of rainstorm and weatherman struck by lightning - both with lighthing effects.
* For toddlers/preschoolers: A Fire fighter wearing a homemade fire truck.
* Pair/couple costume: Miss Piggy and Kermit with Miss Piggy really into her role.
* Adult: Scritchy, the safety raccoon traffic pylon, a legendary neighbourhood character.
Some trends to note:
1) Ninjas were number one last year, but fell to lower mid-ranks this year.
2) Lots of homemade costumes. Even commercial characters were often represented by homemade depictions. Clearly the DIY approach is popular with many kids - and some parents.
3) Far fewer princesses than in past years, perhaps displaced by a strong showing of unicorns for those who like sparkly costumes.
4) While Spiderman was very popular and there were a few Batmen, superheroes were not especially popular.
5) More soccer plays than usual - clearly the World Cup has some effect with specific players represented, included a Messi-Lamine Yamal baby depiction.
6) Lots of parents doing chaperone duties in costume, often with group themes like a bear family (including polar bear grandmother!) and a horse rider with mom as groom and dad as jump obstacle.
7) A political character for the first time in many years: a Donald Trump, played with sacrastic relish.
First caller: 5:40 pm Peak: 7 pm Last caller: 8:25 pm
Cat, many variations cat clowns and one with little mouse on pocket 12
Witch, classic and variations 12
No discernible costume, interesting excuses 10
Spiderman, many variations, several homemade 9
Vampires 9
Ghost 6
Grim Reapers 6
Batman 4
Ghoul mask 4
Hockey Player 4
Princess (classic) 4
Unicorn (Great combos, sparkles, graphics) 4
Clown, scary 3
Dinosaurs 3
Harry Potter 3
Mandolorians, including an impressive homemade version 3
Minions 3
Ninja 3
Serial Killer 3
Soccer players, 1 generic plus a Messi and Haaland 3
Angel and Angel/Demon combo 2
Banana 2
Clown, Classic 2
Cowboy, disco 2
Fallout guy with gas mask 2
Fire Fighter, one with homemade truck: 2
Fox 2
Gangster 2
Juvenile Delinquents 2
Lady Bug 2
Pirates! (with parrot dog) 2
Police officer 2
Santa Clauses 2
Scarecrow, scary 2
Scream Masks 2
Soldier 2
Sunglasses Guys 2
Teddy Bear 2
Tom and Gerry 2
Turtle, Gus the 2
Alien 1
Astronaut 1
Axe murderer 1
Bear 1
Basketball man 1
Bunny 1
Ballerina 1
Butterfly 1
Call of Duty Ghost 1
Chief, Lindt Choclate (Homemade) 1
Dad 1
Darth Vader 1
Deer 1
Descendants (TV show) character 1
Daphne from "Scooby-Doo" 1
Dog, dalmation 1
Doll, creepy 1
Dorothy, "Wizard of Oz", nicely done homemade costume 1
Donald Trump, really into role 1
Dragon 1
Demon from "Scooby-Doo" 1
"Fallout" character 1
Fortune teller 1
Fruit, geometric/digital 1
Ghostbuster 1
Gorilla 1
Harley Quinn 1
Headless man, head on a plate, homemade 1
Horserider, with dad as jump and mom as groom 1
Jason (horror character) 1
Joker (Batman series) 1
K-Pop Demon Hunter 1
Keeper of the Lost Cities characters 1
Kermit, with Miss Piggy 1
Weatherman hit by lightning with light effects 1
Lucifer character 1
Malficent's daughter 1
Matilda (from film) 1
Minecraft character (Warden) 1
Miss Piggy, with Kermit 1
Monster Goblin 1
Nun, evil 1
Pennywise (Horror clown) 1
Pickle, dill 1
Phantom of the Opera 1
Pumpkin 1
Raccoon, Scitchy the Safety 1
Rainstorm, homemade, cool lighting 1
Red Riding Hood, with Wolf 1
Rescue Unit Guy 1
Rockstar, with lots of energy 1
Robot 1
Shrek 1
Skeleton 1
Sponge Bob Square Pants 1
Sasquatch 1
Squid 1
Supermario Brother 1
Tadpole 1
Tiger 1
Tigger 1
Vax'ildan character from "Critical Role" cool homemade 1
Velma, from Scooby-Doo 1
Vest girl 1
Warhammer Space Marine (homemade) 1
Wolverine, great claws and it cigar 1
Wolf, with red Riding Hood 1
Winnie the Poo 1
Wizard 1
