the slightly mischievous but amazing creative skills of kids and their families. The 24 pumpkins were judged in four categories: most creative; most scary; most technical, and cutest. There were a lot of pumpkins, so it was a hard call to make, but the winners of the pumpkin carving contest were John Smith for most original, Nicole EsemplareClark for scariest, Willow Flick for cutest and Scott Poluchuck for most technical – you had to see what it looked like in the dark with a candle inside to get the full effect. Winners each received a gift certificate provided by a local business. But just before the carvers showed up, the scarecrow competition left everyone with their mouths aghast and chills running up and down their spines. Two lads costumed as baseball players kept folks guessing which team or teams they represented. However, the real chill came from what first appeared to be a ghoulish figure simply reposing on a thronelike chair. Then, without warning, the figure began to move ever so slowly with human like motions. One could almost hear Dr. Frankenstein off in the distance bellowing, “It’s alive! It’s alive!” “This was an amazing example of living art,” commented Pohl. “The question on everybody’s mind was, ‘How did they do that?’” The following weekend was Halloween, the perfect time for ghosts, goblins, and other scary characters to descend on LLV along with golf carts decorated in all sorts of scary dimensions and whimsy. The golf carts lined up Saturday morning at Pines Lake for a journey around the Village accompanied by LLV Security Rangers at the head and end of the parade. “We were pleasantly surprised at the turnout given that the weather was on the cool side,” said Holohan. “It certainly did not chill down the enthusiasm and spirit of the carters.” As the shadows began to stretch at Locust Lake, a legion of
those ghosts, goblins, and other scary characters began to appear on the beach for the Kids Costume Parade and Contest.
Cocktail Corner By Carl Piazza
Heading into the winter, the Salted Caramel Martini is a great way to relax by the fireplace and unwind. If you like the salty sweet taste of some of those candy bars on the market today, you are guaranteed to love this drink. One of the benefits of this martini is if you like to have a second or third, or even fourth drink, its not a problem because between the Butter Shots Liqueur and the Simple Syrup, it evens out to about 18% Proof.
Approximately 50 other worldly characters of all ages hovered about the area waiting to strut their stuff by the lake. Before embarking on their ghostly pilgrimage, MC Fran Odyniec asked the assembled multitude, “Where do ghosts like to swim?” Lacking a correct answer, he explained, “In Lake Errieee,” which was met with an unmistakable chorus of groans. Gift certificates, again provided by a local business, were awarded in three categories: scariest, most original, and funniest, and each child in attendance received a goody bag. The Halloween festivities were capped off with the Village’s annual “Trick or Treat Night” on Halloween itself. “Actually, Halloween weekend was a lot of fun,” said Holohan. “We kicked off with our first Halloween Golf Cart Parade, then came the scarecrow competition, pumpkin carving, and kids costume
Once again, it’s always about the presentation and garnish to give it that wow factor. The key to a great Salted Caramel Martini is the Hershey’s Caramel Syrup, Caramel Candy and thin salted pretzels.
“The Salted Caramel Martini” Ingredients (makes 1 drink): 1-part Vodka parade that kept folks busy and entertained.” “And as always, a big ‘thank you’ to our volunteers who made all the events come off without a hitch,” added Pohl. As the night wind swirled around the village, one was reminded of Edgar Allen Poe’s line from “The Raven:” “Quoth the Raven, Nevermore” --- at least not until next year. Thanks to the many volunteers who helped, without whom this couldn’t have pulled this off. Also, thanks to the maintenance crew for picking up and returning the beer keg and setting up the movie screen and tables.
1-part Butter Shots 1-part Simple Syrup Hershey’s Caramel Syrup Caramel Candy Crushed thin salted mini pretzels
Directions: The Presentation – Rim the glass with Hershey’s Caramel Syrup, then dip the glass in the crushed pretzels upside down on a small plate. The Drink – Pour equal amounts of Vodka, Butter Shots, and Simple Syrup into an ice filled shaker. Shake like crazy and strain into the martini glass. Make a small slit into the Caramel candy and push onto the rim of the glass. Take a picture of your accomplishment and go sit by the fireplace and enjoy with a friend or two!!!
PAGE 9 | LOCUST LAKE VILLAGER | WINTER 2020
