What happens when you mix a slowing economy, a heated presidential election, a bunch of folks dressed up like Richard Simmons, and a full-on rendition of Michael Jackson's Thriller? The 2008 NYC Village Halloween Parade. The most common costumes were Sarah Palin and the Joker from Batman: Dark Knight. No real surprise there.

Despite a supposedly smaller parade and less sponsors this year, it was still full of spirit and dedicated revelers. As always, I look forward to next years.