Masked Creatures Seen On The Move In Stamford

By Susan Bush
12:00AM / Sunday, October 29, 2006

Inside this scary mask is Dalton Tatro, 5, of Stamford, Vt.. Who knew? View Slide Show

Stamford, Vt. - Sometimes, unusual creatures move about in broad daylight.

Dalton's twin sister Madison Tatro, 5, was costumed as "Cinderella."

That was an Oct. 29 situation along Stebbins Lane as about 30 masked ghouls, gremlins, grim reapers, superheros, and even a few mice and chickens pranced and paraded behind a town fire truck as a contingent of adults kept a steady eye on what appeared to be very unfamiliar beings.

The truck moved slowly as town volunteer firefighter Harry Klein kept the marchers safely gathered some distance behind the truck.

Residents of the area peered from their windows at the sight, which was noticed at about 2 p.m..

17-month-old Jacob Bugbee strut his stuff in cowboy boots and big cowboy hat under the watchful eye of his mom Jessica Bugbee.

But upon arrival at the town elementary school, masks were pulled off to reveal the "parading strangers" were, in truth, children of the town who participated in a Parent-Teacher Group-sponsored Halloween parade and party.

Camryn Belisle, 19 months old, sure turned out to be one cute "duckling!"

PTG President Patricia Carlson read stories to the children in a decorated school gymnasium. Volunteers delivered such tasty treats as "edible kitty litter," "spider-on-patrol-cemetery," "ghosts-on-broomsticks," and a elaborate hand-made, edible "haunted house."

An afternoon of games followed the refreshments.

And beware...many of the costumed children assured adults that they, and more like them, will be on the prowl during Oct. 31, in hopes of collecting "treats."

Olivia Grant, 8, Madison Vadnais, 8, and Olivia Carlson, 9, were among the Halloween "parade-and- partyers."

Be prepared. Keep treats at the ready.

They'll be knocking.

Susan Bush may be reached via e-mail at suebush@iberkshires.com or at 802-823-9367.