Ghouls, goblins and princesses haunt downtown

Oct. 27—Ten-year-old Maevry Mershon danced like a zombie to the Michael Jackson song, Thriller, during downtown's Haunted Haute Halloween event Friday.

She, along with other costumed dancers, learned some ghoulish moves under the tutelage of Brandon Halleck, owner of the Dance Studio.

After a short lesson, they put those moves together, Halleck turned the music on and they danced to the iconic song on Wabash Avenue in front of the Terre Haute Children's Museum.

"I really love to dance," said Mershon, who was dressed as the character Wednesday from the Addams Family movies and TV show.

She later helped pass out candy at a Hendrich Title trick-or-treat booth.

Costumed children and families lined both sides of Wabash Avenue from Sixth to Ninth streets as part of the Haunted Haute festivities, which included plentiful trick-or-treat stands; activities including inflatables; photo opportunities; and a dance party sponsored by 100.7 Mix-FM.

The streets came alive with aliens, fairy princesses, creepy ghouls, superheroes, cartoon characters and everything in between for the popular event, sponsored by Downtown Terre Haute, a not-for-profit managed by the Chamber of Commerce.

With perfect balmy weather outside, a few thousand people were expected to attend, said Josh Alsip, director of community engagement at the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce.

"It's always great to get the community together, especially for a family and kid-friendly event," Alsip said. For all of the kids attending, "Memories are being made."

He, and other Chamber staff, were dressed in costumes based on "Stranger Things," Netflix's popular science-fiction — horror series.

Among those enjoying Haunted Haute were Baelee Fagg, her son, Waylon, age 2, and Waylon's grandmother, Tyra Vu.

Waylon was dressed as Sheriff Woody from the Disney Toy Story franchise. "It's fun. He likes it," Baelee Fagg said.

Twelve-year-old Aaron Lenges wore a costume that depicted him being abducted by an alien. "His name's Bob the Alien," said Lenges, a West Vigo Middle School student.

Lenges brother, 5-year-old Kayden, dressed as a dinosaur.

Accompanied by their mom, Tia, it was their first visit to Haunted Haute.

Also enjoying the Halloween celebration were Jeremy Jackson, Jordan Earlywine and their kids. The children were dressed as a dragonfly, a fairy, Spider-Man and a teddy bear.

"I do like it. It's a nice organized event," Jackson said. "You get to see all the people out and all the businesses out supporting their community. I think it's a wonderful thing."

Their children, including 7-year-old Jaliyah, couldn't wait to attend. "It's amazing," she said. Her favorite part, of course, was the candy.

Sue Loughlin can be reached at 812-231-4235 or at sue.loughlin@tribstar.com. Follow Sue on Twitter at @TribStarSue.