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Inwood Hill Park Brings Small Town Halloween to Big City

By Carla Zanoni | November 1, 2010 10:59am | Updated on November 1, 2010 11:19am

By Carla Zanoni

DNAinfo Reporter/Producer

INWOOD — Inwood Hill Park was transformed into Halloween central Sunday afternoon and evening, as residents sought out tricks and treats on the Indian Road lawn well into the night.

A small town feeling was pervasive, as many families already knew one another, but a feeling of inclusiveness and openness to meeting new people gave it a New York City vibe some said.

"Inwood Hill Park is like a funky Main Street in New York City," Aneiry Polanco, an Inwood parent of two, wrote in an e-mail.

Hundreds of children came decked out in different costumes, including a fish, chicken, Clark Kent, a knight and a wolf.

Adults got into the act as well. Some poked fun at Facebook by dressing as thier own page, others donned trusty medieval-themed and vampire costumes. At least one man scared children and adults alike with a realistic butcher costume and a bag filled with fake human body parts.

Inwood parent Karin Dando-Haenisch, who dressed herself as Georgia O’Keeffe and her children as Poseidon and King Tut, said the event was a blast for all.

"There were some really fabulous costumes on kids and adults," she wrote in an email. "Such fun, I love this neighborhood."

As the sun set, families headed for the festivities — the seventh annual Inwood Hill Haunted Forest and House.

And as the chilly night came to a close, children and adults warmed their hands at a bonfire in the park.

"So worth the wait! #Inwood Haunted Forest ends @ 10pm," Zaida Grunes, Inwood mother of three, wrote on Twitter. "Amazing tradition."