Mystic — With sirens belting, firetrucks escorted a crowd of at least 200 participants dressed as superheroes, witches and more across the Mystic River bridge Sunday during the revival of the Halloween Parade.

After several years without the event, several town agencies came together to bring it back.

"It's a great event for the kids," said Tony Manfredi Jr., chief of the Mystic Fire Department. "I remember walking with my son years ago."

The fire department partnered with the Mystic Chamber of Commerce, Stonington and Fitch high schools, the Groton and Stonington police departments and Mystic River Ambulance to organize the event.

Manfredi said the plan is to start holding the parade every year again.

The parade was followed by fun activities and a trunk-or-treat event at the Mystic fire station, with special performances by a magician and members of Stonington High School's band.

Bruce Flax, president of the Mystic Chamber of Commerce, said Manfredi had approached him about doing more community events, starting with this parade. He and his team were all in.

"After a really busy summer, it's good that the community can take over downtown," Flax said. "It gives me great pride."

Excited to walk in the parade, Donna Green of Pawcatuck was dressed as Cruella de Vil from Disney's "101 Dalmatians," with her grandson Camden Mudzinski dressed as an astronaut. Both said Halloween is their favorite holiday.

Green said they dress up and participate in Halloween events every year together. She also has held an annual pumpkin-carving party with her family for the last 22 years.

Dressed as a unicorn, Mystic resident Rebecca Troeger was with her 6-year-old daughter Stella, who donned a Queen Elsa costume from Disney's "Frozen." They also joined the parade. 

Troeger said she thought it was great to see the community get-together and everyone dressed in their costumes.

Families and individuals in various costumes also crowded the sidewalks to await the parade and trucks, which set off about 1 p.m.

Jenn Motti of Gales Ferry, who was with her 7-year-old son Finn, said this was their first time attending the parade. She said they were looking forward to it, since not a lot of residents hand out candy in their neighborhood.

Amy Wagner, dressed as a 17th century woman, was with her husband and son. Having worked in downtown Mystic for the past 17 years, Wagner said she remembers Halloween parades in the past and it was "good to see the community out again."

"This is the largest crowd of kids I've seen," she said.

j.vazquez@theday.com

Photo gallery

For a gallery of more photos from the parade, click here.