By: Najla Alexander 
You know it’s Spooky Season when all you see are these hauntingly unique decorations all around, horror flicks on repeat, and getting dressed up as someone completely different than you.
Then, of course, there’s the candy!
Halloween 2024 has definitely been one for the books where there were record high temps, but that didn’t stop the community from showing out Halloween weekend with its’ famous annual Carteret Fall Festival and Halloween Parade that took place on Saturday, Oct. 26 at Carteret Park.
Carteret City officials say the Fall Fest, hosted by the Honorable Mayor Daniel J. Reiman and Carteret Borough Council, is a long-standing tradition in Carteret and has been held throughout the Mayor’s Administration.
“Carteret offers a variety of family-friendly events and festivals throughout the year,” Mayor Reiman said.
“Fall Fest is among the best of them, with free family activities that make the scenic autumn season even more fun.”
“We also are proud to host our Annual Carteret Holiday Festival in December, Carteret Independence Day Festival in July, Latin Fest also in July, and our is truly a destination for families year-round.”
The Festival ran from noon to 2 p.m. and featured fun activities for all ages, including pumpkin picking, face painting, a moon bounce, a guess-the-weight-of-the-giant pumpkin contest, prizes, and DJ music. Not to mention cookies, candy, and the annual Children’s Halloween Parade that started at 11:30 a.m. on the corner of Cypress Street and Washington Avenue and went all the way to Carteret Avenue.
That wonderful weekend made room for this amazing performance that delighted the senses in such a way that you were eager to see what was coming next in this mix of a dark circus cabaret and theatre.
According to Carteret City officials, The Vampire Circus, which took place on November 1st, 8 p.m., at Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center, is a mysterious, tantalizing, fun, dark, cutting-edge production guaranteed to amaze the senses, based on the multidisciplinary skills of international performers showcasing theater, dance, and gymnastics.
“From the makeup to the costumes, everything was horror and so much fun,” a spectator shared with me.
The 90-minute production is an immersive ride through the Underworld and Vampires. It is set in Bohemia during the 19th century, and of course, Count Dracula contemplates a plan for world domination using his traveling circus, Carteret City officials say.
“The Vampire Circus is an immersive experience that plunges guests into a deep hypnotic state while “breaking the fourth wall. " With Vampire Circus, audiences are fully integrated into what is happening in front of them, surrounding them, and, at times, “inside” them, officials said.
Mortal spectators such as myself experienced not only cirque acrobatics but amazing audience interactions, contortionists, jugglers, acrobats, and even clowns! Officials stated that inspired by the magical, captivating allure of legendary traveling carnivals, The Vampire Circus is the vision of founding CEO Francisco Santos, a veteran Cirque Du Soleil performer.
“Getting splashed with holy water to be protected from the vampire performers was the highlight of my night,” I exclaimed.
“This crowd knew how to get the audience in the mood to enjoy themselves perfectly. From kids to adults, everybody was having such an amazing time. I know I did!”
For more about The Vampire Circus, visit thevampirecircus.com/.
Carteret never disappoints when it’s time for the holiday season; this year was no different! A community dedicated to ensuring its’ people are heard and feel loved during the holidays is one I am proud to be a part of! RLS Metro Media and I look forward to what the end of the year brings!
