• Alternate Text
  • Loading

  • Valentine's Day Gift Guide
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App
  • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • Key Life
  • Galleries
  • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Red Tide Map
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Longboat
    • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • Key Life
  • Galleries
  • More
    • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Red Tide Map
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Valentine's Day Gift Guide
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

Attendees dress in costumes to impress for Fright Night on St. Armands Circle


  • By Ian Swaby
  • | 11:00 a.m. November 1, 2023
Libby Gallups, Judie Rogers and Debbie Emery came in costumes, and in character, as the Sanderson Sisters from "Hocus Pocus." The three friends entertained the crowds by adopting the voices and mannerisms of their characters.
Libby Gallups, Judie Rogers and Debbie Emery came in costumes, and in character, as the Sanderson Sisters from "Hocus Pocus." The three friends entertained the crowds by adopting the voices and mannerisms of their characters.
Photo by Ian Swaby
  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • Share

The candy available for kids at many restaurants and stores was not the only draw during Fright Night on St. Armands Circle.

Many attendees were also showcasing a thorough effort with their Halloween costumes, with friends and families making the rounds in complimentary getups, filling the sidewalk with sights of familiar sets of characters.

The experience gave attendees an opportunity to connect with one another.

Sarasota's Clare Hasbrook, 8, who came dressed as Barbie, found unexpected excitement when she met a large group of members of tennis players from Longboat Key Club, also dressed as Barbie. 

Very soon, the group was jumping up and down together, with chants of Barbie's name. 

Attendees also enjoyed simply taking in the experience. Tamas Toth said his family always comes out for Fright Night each year. 

He said they enjoy the ice cream, many good restaurants and atmosphere, but that meeting people at the Circle is a unique experience, as you often run into someone a second time as you make your way around.

“Halloween is our favorite holiday, so we’re just enjoying it,” said Dianelis Salgado.

“Every year it turns out like this,” said Joyce Condrack of Little Bo-Tique Children's Wear. “The children are always here, and it doesn’t rain.”

Clare Hasbrook, 8, who came dressed as Barbie, found the perfect group when she met members of Longboat Key Club tennis.
Clare Hasbrook, 8, who came dressed as Barbie, found the perfect group when she met members of Longboat Key Club tennis.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Marcia Gutridge of Longboat Key Club tennis and Clare Hasbrook, 8, jump up and down and chant,
Marcia Gutridge of Longboat Key Club tennis and Clare Hasbrook, 8, jump up and down and chant, "Barbie, Barbie!"
Photo by Ian Swaby
Alexis Quicc impressed attendees as Freddy Krueger from
Alexis Quicc impressed attendees as Freddy Krueger from "A Nightmare on Elm Street."
Photo by Ian Swaby
Gabrielle Garner, 8, and Nick Garner, 6, catch candies thrown from the balcony of Gauthier Salon & Wellness Spa where Julie Wilson, Sonia Gauthier and Serge Gauthier stand, as Jim and Joyce Condrack of Little Bo-Tique Children's Wear watch the excitement.
Gabrielle Garner, 8, and Nick Garner, 6, catch candies thrown from the balcony of Gauthier Salon & Wellness Spa where Julie Wilson, Sonia Gauthier and Serge Gauthier stand, as Jim and Joyce Condrack of Little Bo-Tique Children's Wear watch the excitement.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Julie Wilson and Sonia Gauthier throw candy from the balcony of Gauthier Salon & Wellness Spa.
Julie Wilson and Sonia Gauthier throw candy from the balcony of Gauthier Salon & Wellness Spa.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Libby Gallups, Judie Rogers and Debbie Emery came in costumes, and in character, as the Sanderson Sisters from
Libby Gallups, Judie Rogers and Debbie Emery came in costumes, and in character, as the Sanderson Sisters from "Hocus Pocus." The three friends entertained the crowds by adopting the voices and mannerisms of their characters.
Photo by Ian Swaby
There were frightful sights to be found on the circle on Oct. 31.
There were frightful sights to be found on the circle on Oct. 31.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Dianelis Salgado, Johan Reyes, 1, dressed as Frankenstein and Shami Jimenez
Dianelis Salgado, Johan Reyes, 1, dressed as Frankenstein and Shami Jimenez
Photo by Ian Swaby
Zoe Leonard, 5, Claire Leonard, and David Leonard dressed as Tinker Bell, Peter Pan, and Captain Hook.
Zoe Leonard, 5, Claire Leonard, and David Leonard dressed as Tinker Bell, Peter Pan, and Captain Hook.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Andre Herke, Thomas Herke, 1, and Jennifer Herke decided to make use of a lobster costume they owned, a hand-me-down item within their family. “I thought it was the cutest thing,” said Jennifer Herke. “I had no idea it was going to be such a hit.”
Andre Herke, Thomas Herke, 1, and Jennifer Herke decided to make use of a lobster costume they owned, a hand-me-down item within their family. “I thought it was the cutest thing,” said Jennifer Herke. “I had no idea it was going to be such a hit.”
Photo by Ian Swaby
Jett Ginand, 1, encounters Boris and Sax as he makes his way down the sidewalk, accompanied by two walking skeletons.
Jett Ginand, 1, encounters Boris and Sax as he makes his way down the sidewalk, accompanied by two walking skeletons.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Alexis Skasko holds out a bowl of candy for Jeniah June, 9, and Arstasia June, 8.
Alexis Skasko holds out a bowl of candy for Jeniah June, 9, and Arstasia June, 8.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Layla Ellis (DJ Solove) plays music from the balcony of Gauthier Salon & Wellness Spa.
Layla Ellis (DJ Solove) plays music from the balcony of Gauthier Salon & Wellness Spa.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Jerod Ward, Violet Ward, 7 and Tricia Ward dressed as the Scarecrow, Dorothy and Glinda from
Jerod Ward, Violet Ward, 7 and Tricia Ward dressed as the Scarecrow, Dorothy and Glinda from "The Wizard of Oz."
Photo by Ian Swaby
Rick Almarode of Ben and Jerry's provides a flow of bubbles that draws the attention of Arlo Citak, 3.
Rick Almarode of Ben and Jerry's provides a flow of bubbles that draws the attention of Arlo Citak, 3.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Brian and Cam Maddox hand out candy to Eliza Narain, 6, as her parents Kevan and Gaby Narain look on.
Brian and Cam Maddox hand out candy to Eliza Narain, 6, as her parents Kevan and Gaby Narain look on.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Zamora Quillen, 1, Lucas Quillen and Erica Quillen dressed as Pebbles, Fred, and Wilma Flintstone, while Kyela Jendelund, Aiden Jendelund, 1, and Robert Jendelund dressed as Jovie, Susie, and Buddy from
Zamora Quillen, 1, Lucas Quillen and Erica Quillen dressed as Pebbles, Fred, and Wilma Flintstone, while Kyela Jendelund, Aiden Jendelund, 1, and Robert Jendelund dressed as Jovie, Susie, and Buddy from "Elf."
Photo by Ian Swaby
The Amaya family gathers at St. Armands Circle
The Amaya family gathers at St. Armands Circle
Photo by Ian Swaby
Ella Vivid and Boris and Sax offer a performance.
Ella Vivid and Boris and Sax offer a performance.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Halloween displays were among the offerings at Fright Night.
Halloween displays were among the offerings at Fright Night.
Photo by Ian Swaby

 

author

Ian Swaby

Ian Swaby is the Sarasota neighbors writer for the Observer. Ian is a Florida State University graduate of Editing, Writing, and Media and previously worked in the publishing industry in the Cayman Islands.

Latest News

Capt. A.J. Grande operates a "six pack" fishing charter business who often picks up and drops off customers at Nora Patterson Park.
  • February 5, 2026
Permits will be required for charter boat operators using county parks
District 2 Commissioner Penny Gold walks in a parade in 2021.
  • February 5, 2026
Longboat commissioner appointed to National League of Cities committee
The house at 3638 San Remo Terrace overlooks the north Siesta Key bridge.
  • February 5, 2026
Rock star sells Sarasota estate for $7.5 million
Philip DiMaria says “there is a great opportunity here for St. Armands to evolve and become incredible again.”
  • February 5, 2026
Urban planner shares bold ideas to solve flooding on St. Armands

Sponsored Health Content

Sponsored Content

The best of Your Observer, delivered directly to your inbox

Get the latest in news, sports, schools, arts and things to do in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Longboat Key and East County.

Sign Up

Latest in Neighbors

Thomas Modly adjusts the flagpoles as the sun sets.
  • February 5, 2026
Patriots Pier in Siesta Key receives new flagpoles
Jennifer Rominiecki brought the living museum concept to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens when she was named president and CEO in 2015.
  • February 5, 2026
Botanical gardens' potential lured Rominiecki family to Sarasota
Perfectly in sync, Ski-A-Rees skiers Natalie Brannon, Debbie Brannon, Ella Walker and Steph Ouellette skim across Sarasota Bay, blending athleticism and grace.
  • February 5, 2026
From flips to ballet, Ski-A-Rees have done it all on the water since 1957
Sarah Firstenberger was named CEO of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce in June.
  • February 4, 2026
Siesta Key Chamber’s new leader takes the helm
Chamber launches summertime internship program
  • February 4, 2026
Chamber launches summertime internship program
Local artist Joan Love points out "Tiny Door" installation hidden in plain sight outside the former Apricot Lane Boutique on St. Armands Circle. Her most recent installation can be found outside Gauthier Salon & Wellness Spa.
  • February 4, 2026
St. Armands Circle gets new element of whimsy with Tiny Door installation

App

Download the Your Observer app

Stay in the know with the latest local news. Any device, anytime, anywhere.

DOWNLOAD NOW

Contact

  • 1970 Main St.
  • Third Floor
  • Sarasota, FL 34236
  • Phone: 941-366-3468
  • FPN Verified

Extra, Extra!

  • Newsletters
  • App
  • Crossword
  • Contests

more

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Classifieds
  • Advertise
  • Rack Locations
  • Jobs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Options

sister sites

  • Business Observer
  • Jax Daily Record
  • Orange Observer
  • Accessibility Options
  • Copyright © 2026 Observer Media Group Inc., All Rights Reserved
Sign Up for Daily Headlines

A daily dose of news from Longboat Key, East County, Sarasota and Siesta Key.

Sign Up for In Case You Missed It

A Saturday dose of the week's top stories from Sarasota, Longboat Key and East County.


The Your Observer App is Here!

Get local news you can trust — now on your phone, tablet or laptop. Fast. Free. Easy to Use.
Stay informed, wherever you are.

Download Now