- March 30, 2025
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Clare Hasbrook, 8, who came dressed as Barbie, found the perfect group when she met members of Longboat Key Club tennis.
Photo by Ian SwabyMarcia Gutridge of Longboat Key Club tennis and Clare Hasbrook, 8, jump up and down and chant, "Barbie, Barbie!"
Photo by Ian SwabyAlexis Quicc impressed attendees as Freddy Krueger from "A Nightmare on Elm Street."
Photo by Ian SwabyGabrielle Garner, 8, and Nick Garner, 6, catch candies thrown from the balcony of Gauthier Salon & Wellness Spa where Julie Wilson, Sonia Gauthier and Serge Gauthier stand, as Jim and Joyce Condrack of Little Bo-Tique Children's Wear watch the excitement.
Photo by Ian SwabyJulie Wilson and Sonia Gauthier throw candy from the balcony of Gauthier Salon & Wellness Spa.
Photo by Ian SwabyLibby Gallups, Judie Rogers and Debbie Emery came in costumes, and in character, as the Sanderson Sisters from "Hocus Pocus." The three friends entertained the crowds by adopting the voices and mannerisms of their characters.
Photo by Ian SwabyThere were frightful sights to be found on the circle on Oct. 31.
Photo by Ian SwabyDianelis Salgado, Johan Reyes, 1, dressed as Frankenstein and Shami Jimenez
Photo by Ian SwabyZoe Leonard, 5, Claire Leonard, and David Leonard dressed as Tinker Bell, Peter Pan, and Captain Hook.
Photo by Ian SwabyAndre Herke, Thomas Herke, 1, and Jennifer Herke decided to make use of a lobster costume they owned, a hand-me-down item within their family. “I thought it was the cutest thing,” said Jennifer Herke. “I had no idea it was going to be such a hit.”
Photo by Ian SwabyJett Ginand, 1, encounters Boris and Sax as he makes his way down the sidewalk, accompanied by two walking skeletons.
Photo by Ian SwabyAlexis Skasko holds out a bowl of candy for Jeniah June, 9, and Arstasia June, 8.
Photo by Ian SwabyLayla Ellis (DJ Solove) plays music from the balcony of Gauthier Salon & Wellness Spa.
Photo by Ian SwabyJerod Ward, Violet Ward, 7 and Tricia Ward dressed as the Scarecrow, Dorothy and Glinda from "The Wizard of Oz."
Photo by Ian SwabyRick Almarode of Ben and Jerry's provides a flow of bubbles that draws the attention of Arlo Citak, 3.
Photo by Ian SwabyBrian and Cam Maddox hand out candy to Eliza Narain, 6, as her parents Kevan and Gaby Narain look on.
Photo by Ian SwabyZamora Quillen, 1, Lucas Quillen and Erica Quillen dressed as Pebbles, Fred, and Wilma Flintstone, while Kyela Jendelund, Aiden Jendelund, 1, and Robert Jendelund dressed as Jovie, Susie, and Buddy from "Elf."
Photo by Ian SwabyThe Amaya family gathers at St. Armands Circle
Photo by Ian SwabyElla Vivid and Boris and Sax offer a performance.
Photo by Ian SwabyHalloween displays were among the offerings at Fright Night.
Photo by Ian SwabyThe candy available for kids at many restaurants and stores was not the only draw during Fright Night on St. Armands Circle.
Many attendees were also showcasing a thorough effort with their Halloween costumes, with friends and families making the rounds in complimentary getups, filling the sidewalk with sights of familiar sets of characters.
The experience gave attendees an opportunity to connect with one another.
Sarasota's Clare Hasbrook, 8, who came dressed as Barbie, found unexpected excitement when she met a large group of members of tennis players from Longboat Key Club, also dressed as Barbie.
Very soon, the group was jumping up and down together, with chants of Barbie's name.
Attendees also enjoyed simply taking in the experience. Tamas Toth said his family always comes out for Fright Night each year.
He said they enjoy the ice cream, many good restaurants and atmosphere, but that meeting people at the Circle is a unique experience, as you often run into someone a second time as you make your way around.
“Halloween is our favorite holiday, so we’re just enjoying it,” said Dianelis Salgado.
“Every year it turns out like this,” said Joyce Condrack of Little Bo-Tique Children's Wear. “The children are always here, and it doesn’t rain.”
