Perfect Weather, Packed Streets for Wobblin’ Gobblin and Apple Armada

Halloween spirit was in full swing last weekend across Cape Ann, as two beloved community traditions — Manchester’s Wobblin’ Gobblin on Saturday and Essex’s Halloween Happenings and Apple Armada on Monday — drew record crowds under flawless blue skies.

Downtown Manchester filled with young trick-or-treaters in costumes of every kind, while families strolled to local shops and businesses handing out sweets and cider.  In Essex, families gathered at the Shipbuilding Museum and along Main Street for hayrides, apple-themed games, and the always-anticipated boat parade, celebrating the season in classic small-town style.

The mild, sunny weather was a gift after weeks of gray skies, especially with Hurricane Melissa forecast to pass just offshore on Friday, October 31.  For now, though, Cape Ann’s youngest ghosts, superheroes, and pirates had their moment — running, laughing, and collecting candy in the kind of picture-perfect fall days that make New England Halloween magic.