Message from the Mayor

Mayor James R. Barberio

“There is a child in every one of us who is still a trick-or-treater looking for a brightly lit front porch.” declared American author Robert Brault. At what other time of the year is it okay to become someone or something else, go up to a stranger’s door and demand candy? Trick or treating is the opposite of all we were taught not to do as children, because on Halloween those manners are left behind as ghosts, witches, super heroes and other apparitions appear at our doors commanding a treat unless we would like to be tricked. A fun fact about the custom is that it actually dates back to medieval times in Scotland and Ireland where it was called “guising”. In exchange for money or food young people would perform various “tricks” such as reciting poetry or singing songs. Not until the 1950’s was candy given out instead of cakes, fruit, nuts or coins. A good thing for anyone with a sweet tooth.

We all have Halloween traditions that we cling to, whether that means a good Halloween party or staying home with some popcorn and a scary movie. The fact that we all love a good scare is part of what makes Halloween so great. New Jersey has numerous haunts that will send a shiver down the back of even the bravest of its residents. Local legends have sent many teenagers on quests to hear the beating heart from an unlucky soul who met with misfortune on “Heartbeat Road” or more commonly known as Peace Valley Road, in Lincoln Park. While some say it is the water pump down the road that can be heard, many believers will vehemently dispute this. Others have braved the “Glowing Grave” found in a cemetery in Montville. The greenish cast to the stone belies the fact that a streetlight’s glow may have contributed to the eerie site. One of the most celebrated haunted sites used to be right here in Parsippany with the old Greystone Hospital. At one time it was considered one of the most haunted places in New Jersey, and the deteriorating structure did nothing to discourage the idea that hundreds of patients still roamed the halls aimlessly seeking help. The original facility is long gone but the legend remains to this day.

Halloween is as varied as the colors that bring the holiday to life. Bright and dark blend together to create a scene that can be as spooky or as amusing as you may like. We, in Parsippany, like to offer our take on the celebration with our annual Trunk or Treat. Not only is this an opportunity for the little ones to show off their costumes and collect treats, it is also a chance for the community to come together in the spirit of Halloween and create new traditions that will forever “haunt” their memories. I look forward to seeing you on Monday, October 31 at Veterans Park from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and sharing a frightfully fun time!

James R. Barberio