Kensely Gee with Ryanne, Sara Anne, and Slaton Lowther. PHOTO BY JOSHUA KODIS

Nothing wicked came this way during the 64th annual Halloween Parade and Costume Contest hosted by the City of Vero Beach Recreation Department and sponsored by Mulligan’s Beach House, George E. Warren Corporation and ABC Printing. Thoughts of terrifying tornadoes were pushed aside for a morning filled with not-so-spooky costumes as children – and adults paying heed to their inner child – made their way along the parade route. Costumes included elaborately themed family affairs and simple home-made outfits, traditional witches and ghosts, and plenty of princesses and superheroes. Participants had once again gathered at the staging area at the historic Vero Beach Women’s Club before walking along 14th Avenue to the Vero Beach Community Center, stopping frequently to pose for pics for their many admirers. At the Community Center, many also competed in the annual costume contest, but winners or not, all the youngsters went home with goody bags in their hands, already eager to don their outfits yet again to go Trick or Treating on Halloween. Next up, the COVB Aerial Antics Youth Circus participants will perform “Santa Seeking Talent” at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Vero Beach High School PAC. For more information, visit covb.org.

Photos by Joshua Kodis