Who Ya Gonna Call? Vermont’s 802 Ghostbusters Bring Heart, Humor, and Help to Communities
October 23, 2025
Joshua Smith
“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.
— 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.
The Team at Rail City Fan Fest 2024 posing with their ECTO JK1
A young fan in awe of the larger props from the group
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
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