The Halloween Edition!
For the past two years, Gala has waited until the very last second to inform me how we're totally unprepared for Halloween. With no costumes and no time to think of anything (I've been banned from dressing like anything motorcycle related due to lack of effort) we usually spend the evening sitting on the couch watching the NYC Halloween parade on NY1. Well not this year. In August, I set out on a mission to spare myself an evening of being blamed for ruining yet another Halloween.
Ghostbusters was an obvious choice as it's one of the greatest films of all time. For starters you have the comedic genius of Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Rick Moranis. Add the countless scenes with NYC landmarks from Lincoln Center to Central Park and Columbus Circle and combine that with the bureaucratic red tape of the EPA and a mayor (played by David Margulies) that ANY New Yorker can relate to. What you get is a love letter to NYC and an homage to its inhabitants and the day to day grind they endure.
Outside NYC's most famous firehouse, located on the corner of North Moore & Varrick in Tribeca
Despite its portrayal in the movie as being dilapidated and abandoned, Hook & Ladder 8 is still an active firehouse and home to some of NYC's bravest. Because of its location downtown, the firefighters from this station were some of the very first responders to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Adjacent to the firehouse, Varick St. is co-named after Lieutenant Vincent G. Halloran, who made the ultimate sacrifice at the World Trade Center. A plaque on the front of the building honors his memory as well.
The insignia for Hook and Ladder 8 incorporates the Ghostbusters logo
"I love this plan! I'm excited to be a part of it! LET'S DO IT!"
"Why worry? Each one of us is carrying an unlicensed nuclear accelerator on his back."
The entire costume stayed well within my budget of $100 and took only four hours to make. The proton pack was made from some cardboard boxes, an aluminum cooking pan, spare computer bits salvaged from work, a cough syrup bottle, a hairspray cap, a few old wd40 spray caps and some velcro. It's held together by hot glue, coated in Krylon and attached to a surplus Alice pack frame. The suit was even easier and is a flight suit, chemical gloves and patches and bits acquired on ebay. Throw in some volleyball knee pads for the elbows, and my work was done.
"I love this town!"
Gala, btw, dressed as Alice In Wonderland. Which has absolutely nothing to do with NYC, Hook & Ladder 8 or Ghostbusters.
My suggestion for Gala's costume. I still can't understand why she went with Alice.
Costume photos by Lydia Hudgens
