Six-year-old Branson Lee loves the Haunted House and box tunnel maze, popular fixtures at Nicholson Street Public School's annual Halloween fete. "Halloween is so much fun," he said.
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Sydney's original Halloween school fete was started 23 years ago by an American family who wanted to do something for the kids at the small school in Balmain East.
The "really, really small" gathering quickly became an annual school tradition and popular community event. Children trick or treat in the streets around the school, and from mid-afternoon a steady stream of fete-goers heads down Darling Street towards the big event.
"We've got 161 children enrolled here," Nicholson Street principal and Ghostbuster Chris Pevy-Buenen said. "The fete has become an important event on the social calendar on the Balmain peninsula."
This year's fete was expected to attract 3000 revellers on Saturday. "This year, being actual Halloween, it's going to be pumping," said organiser Grand High Witch Mel Moss.
The school tries to avoid the commercial aspects of Halloween by getting kids and parents to make as much of the decorations and props as possible. It has five sheds dedicated to its Halloween gear.
"You get the odd person who's not a fan of Halloween, but it's more about the community spirit, the trick or treating, meeting neighbours coming up Darling Street," Ms Moss said. "It's safe, it's fun and it's all for the kids."
Eleven-year-old Zoe Abicht said the fete's vibe was incredible. "It's the best event of the year and something you never forget," she said.
