A young boy dressed as George Washington smiled as he rode a pony along Boston’s waterfront. Not far away, two children dressed as Michael Jackson and a Minion were busy playing an inflatable ball-toss game. Between the games, costumes and music, families gathered at the Tall Ship Boston on Sunday, October 25th, for its Halloween Celebration, the Boo Bash.
Running from 12 to 4 PM, Boo Bash offered families an afternoon of outdoor activities along the waterfront. The harbor and Boston skyline provided a pleasant backdrop for photographs as children played games, collected candy, and explored the attractions.
Jessica, a consistent attendee at Boo Bash, expressed her satisfaction with the event. “This is our third time coming…my kids have always had a good time,” she stated.
Her children were particularly excited about the inflatable attractions. “The kids really wanted to do the bouncy houses,” added Jessica, additionally commenting on her appreciation of having a Halloween celebration in an unusual location. “The reason I like this one is because it’s so unique because it’s geared towards kids. You have the water and the backdrop of Boston.”
Among the varying attractions, an interactive animal display caught the eye of many, with children having the opportunity to brush, pet, and feed goats, chickens, and rabbits.
The pony rides also caught the eye of many event-goers. Benny, a young attendee dressed as George Washington, was among those enjoying a ride along the waterfront.
The event wasn’t limited to young children, as it attracted teenagers looking for something to do with friends. Matt Murphy, a student at Everett High School, shared that he discovered the event while browsing social media and decided to attend with his friend. “It’s a good time to be around…honestly, just the spirit, seeing everybody happy.”
Murphy also enjoyed watching the football game displayed on the large screen, adding that the event offered Boston residents an enjoyable way to spend their afternoon. “I think it contributes to Boston a lot because it brings people in, and it makes the vibe feel better,” Murphy remarked.
His friend, Ren Pierre Lewis Cole, also an Everett High School student, had never attended Boo Bash before. He particularly enjoyed observing the different costumes and participating in the face-painting activities. “My favorite part was being with my friends,” Lewis Cole stated, describing the event as “absolute, fun galore.” Additionally, Lewis Cole suggested the idea of a possible sports activity in future years.
Face painting and glitter tattoos gave visitors another activity to try between the games and other attractions. Children sat for their designs while artists worked, adding colorful details to costumes that had already been put together.
Paige, one of the glitter tattoo artists working at Boo Bash, noted that her company had been working with The Tall Ship Boston for several years, although this was her first time personally participating in this event.
“All types of kids and adults love getting glitter tattoos,” Paige asserted. “It just makes the day so much fun. You get to shine and sparkle, and have a little bit of creativity, and it’s super quick to do. I love being here.”
Paige clarified that the tattoos took only a few minutes to complete, which helped prevent long lines. She sometimes entertained younger children by asking questions or playing small games while they waited and she cherished seeing the children’s excitement over their costumes and described the visitors as sweet and polite.
Families also stopped at food stands throughout the afternoon, with vendors along the pier serving an array of food for attendees.
Verna Hampton, an executive artist, author, producer and Director of Programming for Putting Stone Creatives in Boston, attended the Boo Bash with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Hampton had joined in the activities herself, including getting her face painted, and was enjoying the afternoon in the outdoor seating area. “I’m here with my grandchildren and my great-grandchildren. And they’re having a ball. So am I.”
Hampton spoke about watching the children being her favorite part of the event rather than choosing a particular attraction. “Watching the children enjoying themselves, both big and little, the young and the old, because we’re all kids on Halloween.”
Having attended other Halloween celebrations, Hampton appreciated the size of the venue. She found Boo Bash larger and less cramped, giving visitors more space to enjoy themselves.
She characterized the gathering as “a wonderful, intergenerational, multicultural function, celebrating all Hallows’ Eve. Right now, we’re all kids on Halloween.”
About the Author
