by Geoff Fox
The threat of rain was in the air all day last Wednesday, October 29, but it held off until well after the last float of the 78th Hancock Rotary Halloween Parade made it to the end of the route.
People were getting prime positions along Main Street early with some chairs set up two hours before the start of the parade.
When the first entry, two Hancock Police vehicles, left Widmeyer Park, temperatures were in the low 50s.
Fifty-one entries ranging from first responders from around the area to families, antique vehicles to antique tractors, and organizations to businesses waved to those along the street and gave folks a good time.
There were only two bands in the parade this year – Hancock Middle-Senior High School and Southern Fulton High School. Long-time entrant E. Russell Hicks Middle School did not attend this year.
Each entrant into the parade was up for an award.
Good Shepherd Preschool and their “Yellow Submarine” float won first place, Hancock Flag Football “Scary Players” won second, and Cub Scouts “Guess Who Loves Scouting” took third.
For autos, John Cavey and his 1948 Chevy truck took first and Mike McCarthy, Sr.’s 1974 Jeep took second.
Hancock Flag Football Cheerleaders took first in the “Walkers” category. Girl Scouts Troop #15055 took second with their “Girl Scouts Care a Lot” entry.
Silver Starlettes were the only majorettes to enter and took first place.
Southern Fulton High School Band took home first place in the bands category followed by Hancock Middle-Senior High School.
Nick Creek’s 1986 Ford F-150 took home an honorable mention as his truck broke down and had to be pushed through the rest of the parade.
Clear Spring Historical Association’s “Christmas at Plumb Grove” took home the Showstopper Award for their Christmas-themed float.
The Southern Fulton Interact Club provided member judges.
In a social media post, the Hancock Rotary said the parade was a “resounding success” and thanked everyone who attended and supported the parade.
The Clear Spring Historical Association was thinking Christmas as the Spickler Carriage Company, a carriage company that used to be in the town, showcased their sleigh rides.
CNB was feeling sweet as Grandpa Joe, Veruca Salt, and Violet Beauregarde, along with a few Oompa Loompas walked in front of the float with the man himself, Willy Wonka on board.
Good Shepherd Preschool went under the sea with the Beatles with their Yellow Submarine float. And yes, they were playing the song “Yellow Submarine” as they went up Main Street.
First responders from Hancock Police Department, Hancock Fire Volunteer Fire Company, Hancock Rescue Squad, Berkeley Springs, Orleans, and Needmore were on scene with lights flashing during the Halloween Parade.
Could the next Jayden Daniels, Zack Frazier, Zay Flowers, or Travis Kelce be hiding on the Hancock Flag Football float? It’s too early to tell, but these kids will be working hard to get to the level of the pros.
Only two bands were in this year’s Hancock Rotary Halloween Parade with Hancock Middle-Senior High School leading the way followed by Southern Fulton High School. Hancock’s band lit up the night with lights on instruments while Southern Fulton got into the Halloween spirit by wearing costumes.
Big House Babysitter was out of this world, but the little cow was bouncing to the music from the group in front of the float.
Potomac River Grill had a spooky car and float for their cowboy float.
The grand marshal of the parade on the Rotary float was former Police Chief Rich Miller who is retiring at the end of the year. Miller waved to the people along the street as they applauded and thanked him for his service.
OH! Who rides on a float down Hancock’s Main Street? SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS! The MacDowell Family headed to Bikini Bottom for their float in this year’s parade. Joining Spongebob were Squidward, Plankton, Patrick Star, Sandy Cheeks, and Doodlebob.
One of the traditional entrants in the Hancock Rotary Halloween Parade is the Sayara Unit of the Ali Ghan Shrine in Hagerstown. The men in their tiny red cars zoomed all over Main Street with their flashing lights and unmistakable honking horns.
Thomas and Jared Watson had their Halloween spirit on full display last Wednesday night with inflatable decorations hanging out on their trailer.
Girl Scout Troop 15055 showed they “Care-a-lot” with their entry in the Halloween parade last Wednesday night as they donned the colors and symbols of the Care Bears.
Three of the vintage tractors were spread throughout the parade.
All photos by Geoff Fox
