March of the Goblins returns to Main Street

Michael Myers, Winifred “Winnie” Sanderson, and even a pair of dead prom queens haunted Main Street in Center Moriches on Halloween.

The Chamber of Commerce of the Moriches hosted their annual March of the Goblins safe trick-or-treating event for children of all ages this Halloween. While there were few goblins on the prowl, several trick-or-treaters were costumed as notable second bananas Patrick Star and Luigi Mario, Marvel favorites Spider-Man and Spider Gwen and other caped crusaders, including the mother-daughter duo of Tori Rowland and 5-year-old Taylor Rowland, both dressed as Batman.

“I live down the block, so we come here every year; it’s always so fun,” Tori Rowland said. “I’d rather go to Main Street than go house-to-house.”

Like the Rowlands, many of the hundreds of families demanding sweets—or else—creeped down Main Street for the convenience as well as the fun. Others choose the event over traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating for the safe and welcoming atmosphere.

“Everybody is so friendly, and I think it’s safe here because the street is closed,” said Alyssa Macomber of Manorville, chaperoning her children Jaxon and Austin, dressed as James P. “Sulley” Sullivan and Mike Wazowski from “Monsters Inc.,” alongside her husband Mike. “Everybody is so happy here. We did it last year, too.”

For the business owners handing out candy, the safe Halloween event offers a chance to introduce new potential customers to their boutiques and services.

“It’s awesome for the community to be so alive,” Samantha Hillkewicz, who owns Boulevard Florist, dressed as Minnie Mouse, said. “I love seeing everyone and it’s nice for the kids.

“It’s good for us business owners, too,” she continued. “I’ve had a few people come and say, ‘I didn’t even know you were here, could I look around your store?’”