It has been said that it takes an entire village to raise a child and that charity begins at home. Watching how businesses, residents and Sleepy Hollow came together to save the Hayride this year was a firsthand demonstration of how children, charity and “can-do attitudes” meld. It all began on a creepy, dark and frightful night with the Sleepy Hollow Village Board. Faced with budget restraints it looked to cancel the Hayride if the cost couldn’t be subsidized. Screams and shouting could be heard, “Someone must pay.” Boo and howling werewolves!
After all what is Sleepy Hollow if not Halloween? Someone suggested its timing was all wrong and that it should come in March before elections. Then the streets would be alight with strange figures and signs reading, “A Vote for Me is Halloween for Eternity.”
With a steed’s speed and the concern of the impact on community residents and local businesses, a “call to arms” went out. Volumes of phone calls and email blasts looked for sponsors to ensure that the event wasn’t buried alive – and voilá, the results were amazing! In one short week, $23,250 in cash sponsorships and $6,000 of in-kind sponsorships were raised.
In recognition of the ABC’s of the event and that the needs of children extend outside the classroom, the teachers and employees of the Tarrytown Public Schools contributed $5000 to the Hayride. Superintendent Howard Smith said it wasn’t unusual for the teachers and employees to come together and raise funds for their students’ needs. It was noted by all that many of the school district employees who contributed don’t live in either Village.
So, put on your ghoulish garb and come enjoy the Hayride on Friday, October 29 and Saturday, October 30. For a complete listing of events throughout October go to: www.sleepyhollowchamber.com.
Remember that zombies in Sleepy Hollow almost stole the night. If not for the good ghosts and goblins there would be no Halloween fright!
