Carmel-by-the-Sea turned 110 this year, and the town celebrated the way it always does: with a Halloween parade down Ocean Avenue. It is hokey in the best way, with a real small-town feel. People line the street, kids in costume ride in the beds of vintage trucks, and the mayor, council members, galleries and civic groups all take the route together. This year's parade was Friday afternoon, October 30, the day before the town's Halloween birthday.
My son, Luca Espinoza, stole the show. A police officer led the way, and shortly after, Luca and his electric police car were out front of Mayor Dale Byrne, leading him down Ocean Avenue. He rode in his police uniform, waving to the crowds along the street, with his mom, Meli Czerwiak, walking along behind. A friend of mine from England, who lives here part-time, said he had the royal wave down. I will admit I am biased, but the crowd loved him too. I photographed every frame of the parade myself, so he got a proud dad with a camera following him down the street.
Mayor Dale Byrne and city leaders were there, along with Carmel Cares, more than 150 volunteers who help clean up the city, the Carmel Chamber of Commerce, the Community Emergency Response Team, city boards and commissions, and the fire and police departments. Here are some of my favorite frames. All 84 photos are in the full gallery.
See every photo from the parade, in the order taken.
