Halloween was in full swing in the north and south ends of town, as costume-clad kids took part in parades on October 31.

The night of parades kicked off on Elm Street in Padanaram, as the Padanaram Business Association hosted its 2nd annual Halloween Parade. More than 200 people crammed into the village to march to the beat of the Dartmouth Middle School band, led by John Sousa.

The event began in 2016, but was not held in 2017 owing to road construction projects in the village. But with such a successful turnout this year, the association hopes to turn it into an annual event.

“We had a great community turnout to give back to the kids, and it’s just fun,” said Linda Hopps, who helped organize the event.

About two hours later in North Dartmouth, Fire District No. 3 crews led a parade of costumed firefighters, families, and kids up and down Cross Road for the department’s annual parade, led by Dartmouth High’s band.

Chief Richard Arruda said it’s an event which goes back to the district’s old station on State Road, and continues to this day.

“It’s a fun and safe way for kids to celebrate Halloween,” Arruda said. “We’re in a busy district with a lot of traffic, so we shut down the road.”

After the parade, kids enjoyed a magic show put on by Skip Daniels.