Artful Ways to Get the Halloween Spirit - Ptown Follies

The Boston Globe
Published: October 31, 2003

The season for reveling in Provincetown officially winds down with Carnival in August, but the ghosts of parties past, present, and future linger in the crisp October air.

For non-nocturnal goblins in search of a good gathering, The Provincetown Police Department and the Provincetown Public Library sponsor a Halloween parade and pumpkin-decorating contest for all ages. Beginning today at 3:30 p.m. in front of the library, the costumed crowds walk along Commercial Street, ending up at the Provincetown Pilgrim Monument, where the winner of the pumpkin-decorating contest will be announced.

Those looking to toss back some apple martinis later this evening will head over to a Commercial Street favorite, the Crown & Anchor, for the Night of the Living Dead Townies party beginning at 10. DJ Warren Gluck will spin a monster mash of dance tunes, and the two best costumes will win cash prizes. Tomorrow, local filmmaker Lauren Johnson's lesbian horror film "Make a Wish" will scare crowds at 8 p.m., and the club's "Night of 1000 Ghosts" party will start at 10 p.m., featuring DJ Richie Ladue.

"We showed the film ["Make a Wish"] during Women's Week and had a huge response, both gays, straight, male, female," says Rob Rosiello, Crown & Anchor's entertainment and events coordinator.

Meanwhile, the Vixen Nightclub hosts a costume party for the ladies tonight, beginning at 9. "Since Halloween actually falls on a weekend this year, we can do it on the real day, which in my opinion, is the way it's supposed to be," says Vixen general manager Jennifer White.

Provincetown Public Library, 330 Commercial St., 508-487-7094, www.ptownlib.com. The Crown & Anchor, 247 Commercial St., 508-487-1430, www.onlyatthecrown.com. Pilgrim House Inn/Vixen Nightclub, 336 Commercial St. 508-487-6424, www.provincetown.com/vixen.

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