Don’t Let Your Friends Go Without You: Vermont’s Sci-Fi, Fantasy & Horror Expo Returns

If you’ve ever seen someone’s convention photos afterward—kids grinning in Jedi robes, a parent holding a freshly signed poster, a group of friends who clearly had the best weekend—and thought, Wait… that was in Vermont?—this is your heads-up.

By Joshua Smith

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Green Mountain Turtles will be there

The 7th annual Vermont Sci-Fi, Fantasy & Horror Expo returns to the Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex Junction on Saturday–Sunday, April 25–26, 2026, and it’s shaping up to be the kind of event you don’t just “drop by.” You plan around it. Because once you’re inside, you start realizing how big it is, how much there is to do, and how quickly the weekend fills up.

Jeff Folb—owner and general manager of Vermont Gatherings, the team behind the Expo—calls it Vermont’s own version of a Comic-Con experience, “our local Comic-Con, without calling it a Comic-Con.” And that’s not just a fun line—it’s a pretty accurate description of what the Expo has become. It began as a Vermont Sci-Fi & Fantasy event, and Folb says “a couple years ago we added horror,” then “officially unofficially added paranormal and pop culture.” In other words: it’s not one niche. It’s a whole universe of niches—under one roof, for one weekend.

Three buildings. One problem: you can’t do it all.

The most important thing first-timers don’t understand is scale. This Expo isn’t a single hall with a handful of tables. Folb says the event runs across “three attached buildings,” covering “about 80,000 square feet.” That layout is part of the fun: you can bounce from sci-fi to fantasy to paranormal to hands-on workshops to gaming—without ever feeling like you’ve “seen it all.”

And yes, you can do it in one day—technically. But Folb puts it plainly: “You could certainly get through the show in a day, but if you really want to… experience it—meet guests, get autographs, go to panels, do gaming—“you could certainly very easily stretch that out into two days.” Translation: if you only come for one day, you’ll probably spend the next week saying, Next year we’re doing both.

What’s on the floor? Pretty much everything.

So what is it, exactly? Folb describes it as an expo “featuring all kinds of guests” and “almost any medium you can think of” within sci-fi, fantasy, horror, paranormal, and pop culture.

This year’s guest lineup includes Bruce Boxleitner and Claudia Christian from Babylon 5 (Folb notes Boxleitner was also in Tron), plus Adam Berry from Ghost Hunters and Kindred Spirits, and Brett Wagner, known for portraying Leatherface.

But guests are only one piece of the weekend. Folb says there are “over 150 authors and artists, comic creators, game designers… cosplayers… crafters… vendors, gaming panels.” If you like browsing, you’ll be in heaven: art for your walls, handmade fandom merch, costume pieces, props, jewelry, books, comics, and the kind of “I didn’t know this existed” stuff you only find at conventions.

He also breaks down how the buildings feel different. One area is “a little more horror focused and paranormal focus,” while another includes what he calls the “old Star Wars section,” with costuming groups and Star Wars-themed vendors. It’s the kind of variety that lets different members of a family or friend group split up—and still all come back excited.

Bruce Boxleitner will be there

Claudia Christian will be there

The experiences people remember

Beyond shopping and autographs, this Expo leans hard into things you can do.

There’s a dedicated building for “panel rooms, food and beverage and gaming,” with scheduled and pickup games “all day, both days,” including role-playing, board games, and more. Folb says you can expect “10 or 12 panels and workshops a day,” ranging from paranormal topics to creative sessions like “how to create a comic book… how to create a character… how to get published.”

There’s also a professional photo setup with scheduled sessions for guests—and Folb notes attendees can book photos in costume, too.

“Horror” doesn’t mean “not for kids”

If you’re a parent reading the event name and hesitating at the word horror, Folb is clear about the tone: “All of our shows… are family friendly and family focused,” and even when a guest is known for scarier roles, the Expo doesn’t cross the line into adult-only content.

Costumes are encouraged, but not required—Folb estimates “probably 40 or so percent” of attendees show up in some form of costume. And there’s a built-in incentive: the Expo gives out “awards and prizes for costumes” throughout both days. So whether your kid has a full superhero outfit or you’re rocking a last-minute wizard cape, you’re part of the fun.

The “FOMO” truth: this is the weekend people talk about afterward

Folb says the bigger mission is creating events where “you can bring the grandparents and the grandkids and everyone in between, and everyone’s gonna have a great time.” That’s what makes this Expo different: it’s not designed for just one age group. It’s built so nobody’s bored—because there’s always another building, another panel, another game, another photo op, another aisle you haven’t explored yet.

Or, as Folb sums it up: “It’s an event… an experience for everyone.”

Jeff Folb is the Owner and General Manager of Vermont Gatherings - Courtesy Photo

Sugaring Season: Patience, Weather, and a Little Bit of Luck

What this year is teaching us about maple season in our neck of the woods

By Joshua Smith

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Boiling sap at sunrise at Oliver’s Sugarhouse in Groton, VT.

There are a few things you can count on this time of year. Mud season is coming whether we like it or not. Someone’s already put the snow tires on the “maybe next weekend” list. And across towns like Groton,  Bath, Corinth and Peacham,  there are folks watching the weather with the same level of trust they give a used snowblower.

Because it’s sugaring season.

Now, if you’ve ever made maple syrup—or even just helped out for a day—you know this isn’t a hobby for the impatient. It’s part science, part tradition, and a whole lot of hoping the weather cooperates.

I recently had the chance to talk with Mark Isselhardt from the Proctor Maple Research Center, and if there’s one takeaway from this year so far, it’s this: no two sugaring seasons are ever the same.

A Season That Keeps You Guessing

If you’ve been out in the sugar woods this year, you’ve probably already felt it. This season got off to a slower start than what we’ve seen the past few years. Colder temperatures early on meant things didn’t get moving right away.

Then came the snow—which looked promising—but it didn’t stick around long. A stretch of warm weather, some rain, and a little wind took care of that pretty quickly.

And here’s the thing a lot of folks don’t realize: too much warmth can be just as much of a problem as too much cold.

Sugaring depends on that classic New England rhythm—freezing nights and warmer days. That’s what gets the trees to move sap. Without that back-and-forth, things slow down.

As Mark explained, sap flow doesn’t just happen steadily over time. It comes in bursts. You might have a few days where everything lines up perfectly and you make a big chunk of your syrup all at once. Then you might go several days with almost nothing.

It keeps you humble.

Why the Weather Matters So Much

For those who don’t sugar, here’s the quick version of how it works. When temperatures drop below freezing, the tree essentially pulls moisture up from the ground. When it warms up, that pressure reverses, and the sap flows out—right into buckets or tubing systems if you’ve tapped the tree. It’s like the tree is breathing in and out.

No freeze? No recharge.
Too warm for too long? The season can start slipping away.

And that’s where things get tricky this year.

We’ve already had a stretch of warmer-than-average temperatures. For some producers, especially those in warmer areas or with trees facing the sun, that can impact how productive their taps are. The tap holes can start to seal up earlier than expected, meaning less sap when conditions improve.

So far, reports across the region—and the state—are all over the map. Some producers are just getting started, while others are already a good way into their season. That’s sugaring. It’s never one-size-fits-all.

Mark Isselhardt is the UVM Extension maple specialist. He has been based at University of Vermont Proctor Maple Research Center since 2016. Photo courtesy of UVM Extension

The Good News

It’s not all uncertainty. One thing Mark pointed out is that the quality of syrup this year has been strong. Producers are reporting good flavor and color, and sap sweetness seems to be right where it should be.

That’s a big deal. There was some concern going into the season that last summer’s dry conditions might affect sugar content in the sap. So far, that doesn’t seem to be the case.

And while it’s still too early to call the season one way or the other, there’s a sense of cautious optimism out there. As long as we don’t get a long stretch of unseasonably warm weather, there’s still plenty of opportunity for good runs.

Buckets, Tubing, and Tradition

If you grew up around sugaring, you probably have your own version of how it was done.

For me, it was buckets, a tractor, and a whole lot of lifting. You’d go tree to tree, dump the sap, haul it back, and repeat until your arms reminded you exactly how much sap weighs. And for the record—it’s heavy.

These days, a lot of larger operations use tubing and vacuum systems, which allow them to collect sap more efficiently and at a larger scale. In fact, Vermont now produces over half of all the maple syrup in the United States, and production has grown dramatically over the past few decades.

But whether you’re running thousands of taps or just a handful in your backyard, the heart of sugaring hasn’t changed. It’s still about paying attention. Showing up. And working with what nature gives you.

For Those Who Don’t Sugar

Even if you’ve never tapped a tree, sugaring season is still part of life around here.

It’s the steam rising from sugarhouses on a cold morning. It’s the smell of boiling sap drifting through the woods. It’s the quiet understanding that spring is getting closer—even if it doesn’t quite feel like it yet.

And if you’ve never tried it, even tapping a couple trees with your family can give you a whole new appreciation for what goes into that bottle on your table.

Because it’s not quick. It’s not easy. And it’s definitely not predictable.

A Season Built on Optimism

Talking with Mark, one thing stood out more than anything else. You have to be an optimist to be a sugarmaker.

Every season brings its own challenges. Every year is a little different. And no matter how much experience you have, you’re still at the mercy of the weather. But that’s part of what makes it special.

So whether you’re out there collecting sap, boiling late into the night, or just enjoying a stack of pancakes with the finished product, this season is a reminder of something simple. Around here, we don’t just wait for spring.

We tap into it.

And if you’re not out there in the woods yourself, this is the perfect time to go find the folks who are. Take a drive. Follow the steam. Stop in at a sugarhouse if you see one open, or plan a visit during Vermont Maple Open House Weekend. You can also find local producers through the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers' Association at vermontmaple.org or the New Hampshire Maple Producers Association at nhmapleproducers.com.

And when you do—buy a bottle. Maybe two. Because behind every jug of syrup is a season like this one: unpredictable, a little stubborn, and made better by the people willing to stick with it.

That’s what you’re really bringing home.

Troy Oliver (top right) explains the boiling process to visitors (bottom left) Kirk Morrison, Connor McCord and Kori McCord at Oliver’s Sugarhouse.

Cohase Chamber hosts busy night of events; board names Moore and Robie Farm as best of the year

By Bernie Marvin

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A full Alumni Hall in Haverhill Corner greeted the superb dinner and program of events last week for the Cohase Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner and Annual Meeting. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin

Haverhill, NH – A near-capacity crowd came to Alumni Hall last week to celebrate two well-known names in the community, Bradford’s Gary Moore as Citizen of the Year and Piermont’s Robie Farm as Business of the Year.
It all happened under the chandeliered ceiling of Haverhill Corner’s historic Alumni Hall, once an early New Hampshire courthouse and school gymnasium. As in the past, a special meal was served and it was another splendid night of honoring local people, in a room full of friends, business leaders and community officials.
Gary Moore is well known throughout the area and was honored by the chamber for his many contributions to the community, to the field of emergency management and hazardous materials, also to police and fire services, locally and at the state level.

While receiving the tributes, he said “I have received many awards and honors over the years, but none have meant as much to me as this one. This is where I was born and raised and where Linda and I chose to live, moving back in 1973. Being named Citizen of the Year by those from this special region of the Twin States just makes it very special.”
In his comments, Moore mentioned a personal note, one of many he received upon the honors being made public, from Peggy Hewes and Larry Scott saying they were sending congratulations not only to Gary for his being named Citizen of the Year, but to his wife, Linda, “because you are so clearly and inspirationally a team.”
Moore agreed, saying “Nothing I have accomplished could have been possible without the support of my wife of 55 years.”

Moore’s involvement with the community includes a long list of positions held over the years as an educator, state official, member of the military intelligence in Vietnam, and everything from the Chief of the Bradford Fire Department to the Commissioner of the State of Vermont Fish and Game Department.
His background and professional development documents, including professional employment and appointments, more than 75 individual listings were made including his hobbies which are hunting, fishing, hiking, sailing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, canoeing, photography and reading.
The interesting evening included a media panel of local news hounds who were included in a roundtable discussion on the value of having local media in the community who are aware of the territory and publishing stories, photographs and advertisements that mean a lot to local readers.

Those personalities included Darren Sherburne, who represented his mother, Michelle Sherburne, owner of the Journal Opinion. Also, Gary Scruton, owner of The Trendy Time newspaper and this writer, Senior Writer/Photographer for The Bridge Weekly.
Moderating the panel was Joshua Smith, owner of WYKR Radio in Wells River and also owner of The Bridge Weekly newspaper, now based in Wells River.
Publisher-Owner Smith sought to show the direct connection between a strong local media such as there is in this area, strong local businesses and a strong community/nonprofit organization (especially in the digital world where social media can be noisy and polarizing.)

Plaques were presented to Citizen of the Year Gary Moore and to Mark Robie, of the Robie Farm, voted Business of the Year.
Robie Farm is a popular family farm business located in nearby Piermont. As mentioned on their internet web home page “At the Robie Farm, we’re dedicated to producing the highest quality milk, cheese, eggs, beef, pork, and chicken.”
“We work with nature – not against it – carefully considering every environmental impact along the way. The result is food raised with a clear conscience and the exceptional flavor our customers know and love.”
Since 1870, the Robie Farm has taken pride in producing high-quality, nutritious and flavorful meats that reflect our dedication and sustainability, animal welfare, and honest farming. Located along the Connecticut River and Piermont, New Hampshire, our 150-acre family farm has been continuously operated for over seven generations – each committed to maintaining healthy, productive livestock and responsible stewardship of the land.”

According to information available, farm owner Lee Robie and his sons decided to transition from selling milk to a large cooperative to offering bottled raw milk, selling directly to customers at their on-farm store on Route and in Piermont. This change opened the door to new diversifications. Using that raw milk they developed their own Farmstead cheese line and expanded offerings to include a wide variety of meats including beef, pork, poultry and more.
Today, there is a full line of those products and more at their farm store and in their online shop. Accepting a handsome plaque from Chamber officer Joe Mitchell was Mark Robie, one of the sons involved with the success of Robie Farm’s endeavors.

Long time Chamber of Commerce member and officer for many years since the chamber was created 25 years ago, Marvin Harrison was busy during the chamber event coordinating various activities. His popular “Marvin’s Trivia Program” has always been a big hit during previous chamber dinners.

At the conclusion of the ceremonies, Harrison told The Bridge Weekly that “It felt really nice to be able to celebrate two great families in the Moores and the Robies who are such wonderful examples of what community is all about. And the 'local media' panel added further credibility to the importance and effectiveness of the sense of community here in the Cohase region.”

Three newspaper radio writers and advertising personnel presented a program during the Chamber’s Annual Meeting. Seen left to right are Trendy Times Editor and creator Gary Scruton, real estate advertising and sales personality Darren Sherburne, representing the Journal Opinion and Publisher/Owner of the Bridge Weekly and WYKR Radio Joshua Smith, who moderated the program. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin

Cohase Chamber of Commerce official Joe Mitchell, at right, presented a Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Award to the Robie Farm, represented by Mark Robie of Piermont. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin

Cohase Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award was bestowed on Bradford resident Gary Moore, at left by Bradford historian Larry Coffin. The Bridge Weekly/Bernie Marvin

Riding Strong: How Local Snowmobile Clubs Keep Outdoor Recreation Alive in Our Region

By Joshua Smith

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Locals enjoying the Groton forest trails maintained by the Buckaroos of 302 (photo by Jared Mclure)

In the heart of winter, while much of the region settles in under heavy coats and warm fires, a dedicated network of volunteers and outdoor enthusiasts revs up to keep the spirit of outdoor adventure alive. Across the Vermont and New Hampshire borderlands, snowmobile clubs like the Buckaroos of 302 and the Connecticut Valley Snowmobile Club are working tirelessly to maintain trail systems, adapt to weather conditions, and bring communities together through winter recreation.

These clubs, powered almost entirely by volunteers, represent the best of our region’s outdoor tradition — combining land stewardship, collaboration, and a deep love of snowmobiling.

Buckaroos of 302: Trails in Top Condition
In Groton, Vermont, the Buckaroos of 302 have hit peak season stride. According to Trail Master Gary Lamberton, trail conditions are better than ever.

“All our surrounding clubs are now open up,” said Lamberton in a recent interview. “Bailey Hazen Club, Twinfield, The Tops, Ridge Runners, Snow Bees — they’re all open. You can now ride to all destinations right from Groton, Vermont.”

Using a color-coded trail map system, the Buckaroos identify trail status with green (open), yellow (caution), and red (closed). Right now, nearly the entire map is green.

“Everything that’s green is a 10,” Lamberton said proudly. “Jesse Lambert from Lambert Farm's Grooming has put over 1,000 miles on the groomer this season, making sure trails are perfect.”

This level of grooming requires both dedication and endurance. Volunteers spend countless hours navigating snowy forests in heavy equipment to keep trails smooth and safe for riders. “It’s a labor of love,” Lamberton said. “We do it for the riders and for the region.”

Adapting on the Fly
Snowmobiling depends not only on weather but also on landowner cooperation. When a section of corridor 232 between Peacham Pond and Cabot was temporarily closed due to a landownership transition, the Buckaroos didn’t waste time.

“I worked closely with Ross Page of the Bailey Hazen Club,” said Lamberton. “We rerouted the trail through old logging roads and fields. We just cut it out and signed it yesterday.”

These quick pivots are only possible thanks to strong partnerships among clubs and a mutual respect between snowmobilers and landowners. It’s a testament to the cooperative spirit that keeps the VAST (Vermont Association of Snow Travelers) system running smoothly across the state.

Upcoming Event: A Buckaroo Tradition
The Buckaroos are also gearing up for their 47th Annual Dick Page Ride-In, a long-standing community tradition scheduled for Saturday, February 14, starting at 11:00 a.m. at the Groton Highway Garage, near Upper Valley Grill.

“It’s my kind of date,” joked Lamberton, referring to the Valentine’s Day timing. The Groton Fire Department will be serving chicken, and riders from across the region are expected to attend. It’s a time for camaraderie, great food, and celebrating a deep love of the sport.

Connecticut Valley Snowmobile Club: Making the Most of Every Inch
Just across the border in Haverhill, New Hampshire, the Connecticut Valley Snowmobile Club (CVSC) is also working hard — despite challenging snowfall this season.

“We’ve got 65 miles of trails,” said Vice President Dan Ingerson, who helps oversee operations stretching from Bath to Glencliff and over toward Landaff. “It’s been thin in places, but we’re hoping the next storm delivers.”

CVSC trails remain open, though grooming has been paused due to a lack of snow depth. “We need eight inches to start grooming again,” Ingerson explained. “That’s also the state minimum for funding eligibility.”

Despite equipment challenges — including a groomer that recently broke down — spirits remain high. “We got it out of the woods,” Ingerson said, laughing. “Still waiting on parts, though.”

Events that Bring Riders Together
CVSC is also looking forward to two signature winter events.

First up is their Annual Poker Run and Radar Run, taking place Sunday, February 15 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event offers a special New Hampshire permit allowing non-residents and unregistered machines to join the loop trail and radar run — a fun way to experience the club’s territory and test your sled’s speed.

The following weekend, on February 21, the club hosts the beloved Clunker Sled Classic, a celebration of vintage and quirky snow machines. “Gates open at 7:00 a.m., green flag drops at 10:30,” Ingerson said. The event includes nine different classes, from juniors to women’s races and the ever-popular “Double Clunker” challenge.

A Region Rooted in Outdoor Tradition
Both of these clubs demonstrate what makes our region so unique: a deep-rooted passion for the outdoors, a commitment to preserving trail systems for future generations, and the kind of volunteer spirit that brings communities together.

Snowmobiling, for many, is more than recreation — it’s a lifestyle, a family tradition, and a powerful connection to the land. Without the dedication of volunteers like Gary Lamberton and Dan Ingerson, or the hard work of groomers like Jesse Lambert, this vital piece of our winter culture would be at risk.

Get Involved
If you're a snowmobiler, landowner, or simply someone who loves winter and wants to support local outdoor initiatives, consider joining a club, volunteering, or donating. Trail maintenance is expensive and labor-intensive, and every bit of support helps.

You can learn more about these clubs or become a member through their websites:

Buckaroos of 302: buckaroosof302.com

Connecticut Valley Snowmobile Club: ctvalleysnowmobileclub.com

Or follow them on Facebook for trail conditions and event updates.

As winter continues, these local snowmobile clubs will be out there — in the cold, in the woods, and on the trails — ensuring that snowmobiling in our region remains as strong and thrilling as ever.

On the New Hampshire side, the groomer worked the trails on January 7th (photo courtesy of the Connecticut Valley Snowmobile Club)

Safety is important, but does not distract from the beautiful trails in the evening in Groton State Forest (photo by Jared Mclure)

Day or night, the groomers are out maintaining the trails in Vermont and New Hampshire. (Courtesy Photo)

Cohase Chamber 2025 Citizen & Business of the Year Awards

By Joe Mitchell

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The 2025 Cohase Chamber Business of the Year . The Robie Farm of Piermont, NH farmstead is shown during their 150th Anniversary Celebration held on September 11, 2021. The Bridge Weekly File Photo

New Hampshire & Vermont - As 2025 was winding down the Board of Directors of the Cohase Chamber of Commerce was gearing up. It is at this time of year that members of the public are encouraged to submit nominations for Citizen of the Year or Business of the Year. The final decisions were made at a recent meeting of the Board.

It is true that sometime the Citizen of the Year award seems more like a Lifetime Achievement Award, and that is certainly true this year. Gary Moore of Bradford has spent most of his lifetime giving to many while ad leading others. In Bradford, he is possibly best known for his endless hours of volunteering as a member of the Bradford Fire Department, the Public Safety Commission and the Board of Civil Authority. He has also been the leader of the Bradford Emergency Management team for decades. More broadly Gary has written a weekly column entitled Moore Outdoors, providing important information to those who enjoy outdoor activities. On the Vermont level Gary was the Commissioner of the Fish and Game Commission, and Chair of the Vermont Water Resources Board. He also travels throughout the nation providing hazmat preparation training. With all these items on his resume, Gary Moore makes an excellent Citizen of the Year award winner for 2025.

The 2025 Business of the Year award also has some “long term” connotations to it. The Robie Farm in Piermont is now boasting of its seventh generation of family farming on ground located between Route 10 and the Connecticut River at the southern end of Piermont. Through those generations much has been learned and passed down to the next generation which in turn also learns new ways to provide for the family as well as the community. From their famous cheese to Robie Farm beef, poultry and pork, not to mention the sincere home town feeling, the Robie Farm has earned its way into the history and the culture of the Cohase Region. They represent what is a well-earned reputation of doing things right.

Both of these awards will be handed out at the annual Cohase Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting and dinner on Tuesday, January 20 at Alumni Hall in Haverhill Corner. Tickets are available at www.Cohase.org for $35 each. A cash bar will be available as well. Reservations and prepayment are most greatly appreciated.

The evening’s program will also include the awarding of prizes to the winners of the Holiday Decorating Contest. Plus there will be a panel discussion regarding the local media consisting of members from our local media outlets.

The Board of Directors invites all members of the public to make plans to attend the annual meeting and to celebrate Gary Moore and the Robie family, as well as all the others who contribute to making the Cohase region a great place to live, work and play.

Gary W. Moore of Bradford, VT is the 2025 Cohase Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year. (Courtesy Photo)

Who Ya Gonna Call? Vermont’s 802 Ghostbusters Bring Heart, Humor, and Help to Communities

By Joshua Smith

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The Team at Rail City Fan Fest 2024 posing with their ECTO JK1 (Courtesy Photo)

“I’d seen fan groups all across the country doing parades, Make-A-Wish events, and fundraisers. It looked like so much fun — and I thought, we could do that too.”
— Stasia D., Co-founder, 802 Ghostbusters

A Nostalgic Spark That Became a Movement
If you were walking through a fall festival, trunk-or-treat, or a downtown parade in Vermont and suddenly heard the unmistakable wail of a Ghostbusters siren, chances are you’ve encountered the 802 Ghostbusters.

They’re not actors or a traveling show. They’re Vermonters — parents, makers, neighbors — who’ve turned their love of Ghostbusters into a powerful community-building force.

The group began in 2016, when Stasia and Stef D., along with their family, decided to join the growing ranks of Ghostbusters fan “franchises” springing up across the country. What started as a fun family project soon grew into a statewide group with members stretching throughout almost all 14 counties, each bringing their own talents — from prop building to event planning to interacting with kids and families.

Community First, Cosplay Second
When the 802 Ghostbusters show up, they bring more than just proton packs. Their appearances at touch-a-truck events, trunk-or-treats, and local parades are free for communities — powered by their volunteer energy and the magic of their Ecto JK-1, a Jeep Wrangler transformed into a rolling nostalgia machine.

The Ecto JK-1 was built by member Mathew Haley, lovingly nicknamed “our Egon” for his technical know-how.

“It’s an easy, free way to connect,” Stasia said. “Kids climb in, push the buttons, sound the siren — and adults light up too. You can always tell when a parent has that moment of recognition, like, ‘Okay, it’s time for you to watch Ghostbusters.’ It becomes this pop culture capstone between generations.”

Ghostbusters Give Back
This year, the 802 Ghostbusters joined the Ghostbusters Gives Back Initiative, a national partnership between fan groups, Sony, and the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

The initiative runs June 8, 2025 through June 7, 2026, and every dollar raised by registered franchises is matched by Sony — up to $150,000 nationwide — doubling the impact for hospitalized children and their families.

Funds support entertainment, events, and hospital programs that bring comfort during difficult times.

“We set a fundraising goal along with other franchises across the country,” Stasia said. “On June 8th — Ghostbusters Day — we’ll check in to see how we did.”

June 8th, of course, marks the original release date of the 1984 film. Some dates are sacred.

The Busy Season: “Hauntober”
October is their biggest month. “Almost every weekend, we’ve got something,” Stasia said. “Parades, trunk-or-treats, conventions — we call it Hauntober.”

The Ecto JK-1 is fully decked out all season long as they string together events across the state. Later in the season, the group will appear in Casella’s Lights Parade, followed by a special basket raffle fundraiser at Old Town Café and Comics on November 14th, from 3:00 p.m. to early evening.

The Ecto JK-1 and a giant Stay Puft Marshmallow Man will be on-site, and all proceeds will benefit the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

After November, things quiet down — but their sense of purpose never does.

Vermont Heart in a Proton Pack
In a world where cosplay can sometimes be competitive or celebrity-driven, the 802 Ghostbusters stand out. They’re Vermonters bringing nostalgia, joy, and service to their neighbors.

They show up at the same parades your kids march in, park next to you at the grocery store, and hand out smiles at no cost. Their focus isn’t on fame — it’s on connection.

“Little kids don’t always get the reference, but they know we’ve got cool things to look at,” Stasia said. “Adults love it. It’s a conversation starter — and that’s what makes it special.”

Join the 802 Ghostbusters This Halloween Season!

Follow the siren to an event near you. The 802 Ghostbusters will be appearing at parades, trunk-or-treats, and fundraisers every weekend in October, bringing spooky fun and raising money for the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Want to help or get involved?

Love Ghostbusters?

Enjoy community events and volunteering?

Want to make kids (and grown-ups) smile?

The 802 Ghostbusters welcome new members from all across Vermont. Whether you’re a prop builder, a people person, or just someone who loves spooky season, there’s a place for you.

Follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/802Ghostbusters for upcoming appearances and info on how to join the team.

This Halloween season, let a little movie magic — and a lot of Vermont heart — remind you that our communities shine brightest when we come together.

The Last Word
Seeing Ghostbusters gear against a Vermont backdrop shouldn’t work — and yet, it absolutely does. Vermonters have always known how to blend work ethic with whimsy, and the 802 Ghostbusters prove that community service can wear a proton pack.

This Hauntober, if you hear that siren echoing through town, don’t just smile — follow it. You might find yourself in the middle of something special… and maybe even holding a proton pack of your own.

Richmond Independence Day Parade 2025 (we placed 3rd. The prize was $75, donated to the Starlight Children’s Foundation)

The franchises are “International”. Here’s a nice map of the North America teams (Courtesy Photo)

A young fan in awe of the larger props from the group (Courtesy Photo)