Hundreds of goblins, werewolves and superheroes populated Pope John Paul II Park on Thursday night, Oct. 17 for the annual Pumpkin Parade, which has been ongoing for many years (previously it was the Pumpkin Float). Coordinators Maria and Julia Lyons joined the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), the Neponset River Greenway Council and the Neponset River Watershed Association to bring the fun to the neighborhood this year.

There were games, hot chocolate, great Halloween music by DCR DJ Joe Rotondo and a great parade along the pathways to the candy fortress.
Other sponsors included state Sen. Nick Collins, State Rep. Dan Hunt, and Councillors Erin Murphy and Frank Baker.

Seth Daniel photos

Luca Difrancesco gives a realistic werewolf howl as he plays the ring toss game at PJP Park.

Desiree and Naiyah Acevedo were excited to march in the Pumpkin Parade and enjoy hot chocolate while walking their dog.

Maeve and Jack Gilligan showed up as a unicorn and a lion. It was their first Pumpkin Parade.

Keep your distance from this scary duo! Kay Galvin and Ayla Kenney were sporting frightening costumes and a frightening vibe at the Pumpkin Parade on Oct. 27.

Mason Nguyen had all the finer points down about how to pull off his Captain America costume.

Maria and Julia Lyons helped coordinate the event once again for families, highlighting the magnificent DCR Pope John Paul Park in Neponset.

Hold it right there scallywag! Pirate Nolan Mazza and werewolf Cole Mazza stopped everyone in their tracks at the Pumpkin Parade on Oct. 27.

DCR DJ Joe Rotondo (in Lego mask) played all the best Halloween tunes while his creepy friend watched over the DJ booth.

Ryan, Maggie, and Kelleigh Kelly had a great evening in Pope John Paul Park for the annual Pumpkin Parade.

Dinosaur Hank Wolusky surveys the characters around him in the park on Thursday night, watching carefully as several werewolves circled him.