BRADENTON BEACH – This Halloween, when the hearse rolls up, the road will shut down as the Bridge Tender Inn Dockside Bar & Grille, 135 Bridge St., throws a spooky party with costume contests and larger-than-life animated creatures.
“We take our Halloween seriously here,” Bridge Tender General Manager Susan Shinka said.
Located at the corner of Bridge Street and Bay Drive South, Shinka said Bay Drive South adjacent to the restaurant will close to vehicular traffic on Tuesday, Oct. 31 at 2 p.m., when the festivities begin.
“People can bring their kids at 2 p.m. for treats and then at 5 p.m. we have a doggie costume contest,” Shinka said. “At 8:30 p.m. we have an adult costume contest with gift certificates for first, second and third prizes.”
In addition to the hearse and coffin which will be parked outside, decorations will include a 12-foot tall witch and automatons – moving mechanical devices – including a ghost that jumps out at passersby, a witch and a demon.
“There will also be a haunted house people can access from Bridge Street,” Shinka said.
She said that she has had people tell her they plan their vacations around this Halloween party.
“It’s really a good time,” Shinka said. “We have people calling to ask if we’re having the party each year.”
Brigid’s Cross will be providing music.
“We typically wind down around 10 p.m., after the costume contest,” Shinka said.
There is a charitable component to the party as funds will be raised to benefit the non-profit Vintage Paws Sanctuary, which provides a home-like setting for older dogs.
“We’ll be selling items such as Halloween cups and the money we raise will be donated to Vintage Paws,” Shinka said. “Over the years, we’ve raised thousands of dollars for them.”
“Our goal is to raise enough money to build a ‘retirement home’ where senior dogs can live comfortably surrounded by love and getting the veterinary care they need,” according to the Vintage Paws website.
