Hundreds of trick-or-treaters — ghosts, ghouls, witches, clowns, dinosaurs and even a few chickens — made their way up Weller Avenue in central Springfield Monday evening in the annual Rountree Neighborhood Halloween Parade.
The parade was led by the Parkview High School Lassies Drum and Bugle Corps.
Homeowner Louie Layton said he’s been supporting the parade and handing out candy to participants since he moved into the neighborhood 16 years ago.
He recalled having to make as many as eight grocery store runs to buy more candy that first year.
“We didn’t realize what we were getting into,” Layton said, motioning to the sea of trick-or-treaters approaching his house. “This is beautiful. Look at all these people.
“I love it,” he added. “It’s so much fun.”
Trick or treating in Rountree began around 4:30 p.m. — much earlier than most Springfield neighborhoods. As tradition, candy-seekers didn’t have to knock on doors. Participating homeowners set up their candy stations on their front porches or yards
A few blocks west on Grand Street, the nuns of the Mary, Cause of our Joy Convent home handed out candy and small “family prayer” cards. When asked if people mistake their habits and uniforms for costumes, Sisters Cecilia Ann, Pia Marie and Abigail Marie all laughed and said yes.
“Then you watch it sink in,” Sister Abigail Marie said.
Sister Cecilia Ann explained that the following day, Nov. 1, is All Saints Day, hence the prayer cards. They wish everyone who stopped at the convent a Happy Halloween and All Saints Day.
“It’s so fun to see the kids,” she said.
Photo Gallery: Rountree Parade 2022
Scenes from the Rountree Neighborhood Halloween Parade in 2022. All photos by Jackie Rehwald.
