West Rock Celebrates Halloween Outside

On Saturday evening, West Rockers gathered outside to celebrate a socially-distant Halloween.

Organized by Lensley Gay (referred to by all as ​“Ms. Gay”), about 30 children showed up for their candy. Decked out in costumes, the kids lined up and made their way along a twisty path, with circles every six feet. Cars lined the path, decorated with cobwebs and paintings. And at the very end, kids could receive pre-bagged candy and take a photo in front of a haunted door.

Shouts and laughter could be heard as children jumped between circles.

Solar Youth, along with the Yale’s Graduate and Professional Student Senate, came out to help with the event.

For many kids and families, this was a much-needed taste of normal life.

“The kids are in the house every day doing online school,” said Carmen Bishop. Her three grandkids, Kyra, Aiden, and Nigah, all came dressed up. Kyra was a dead unicorn, Aiden was a zombie, and Nigah was a witch. ​“It’s a chance to do something and get outside.”

“No matter how old we get, I always want to celebrate Halloween,” said Monaysah Bostic, dressed as a skeleton. She came with her friend Soleil Nelson, who dressed as a witch. Bostic and Nelson, 13 and 12, respectively, came to help bag and distribute the candy. ​“We wanted to help because we know some kids don’t get candy or are able to enjoy Halloween,” said Nelson. After their hard work, the two girls made their way on the path, giggling before they posed for a photo.

Ms. Gay walked around with a big smile, directing kids through the path and taking their photos. She’s been working for the Brennan-Rogers Family Resource Center in the West Rock area for 14 years. ​“We didn’t want kids to lose the opportunity to be kids,” she said. ​“It’s not the same as it would have been, but [we can] come out and have fun.”

Layton Saucier, who is 2 years old, came with his mother Ronisha Saucier. ​“I appreciate that they held this,” said Saucier. ​“It’s something for kids to enjoy, but it’s safe and distanced.”

Some kids even made costumes out of their masks. A 12-year old named Kaylee came decked out in face paint and makeup that she put on herself. She was a corpse, she said, proudly showing her blood-stained N‑95 mask. ​“I like to dress up every year,” she said. ​“And I like candy. Skittles are my favorite.”

Meanwhile, Jennifer Chancio stumbled across the event on her way to an outdoors Halloween gathering. She was dressed as a clown. Her daughter Chayanne was a cat, and her son Chandler was Sting from WWE. Chancio summed up the evening the best: ​“It’s all about being with family and friends.”