Riverdale’s 68th Annual Halloween Window Painting Contest Celebrates Community Art

Skeletons, ghouls, pumpkins and young artists filled the streets of Riverdale on Oct. 18 for a beloved tradition — the Kiwanis Club of Riverdale’s 68th annual Halloween window painting contest.

Since 1957, the event has brought a seasonal splash of spooky color to local storefronts across Riverdale and Spuyten Duyvil. This year’s contest once again invited families and students to decorate shop windows with imaginative Halloween-themed art, turning the neighborhood into an open-air gallery of ghosts, monsters and jack-o’-lanterns.

Generations of families returned to participate. Many parents who once painted as children now cheered on their own kids, continuing a community tradition rooted in creativity, celebration, and civic pride.

Beloved institutions like Dino’s Pizza, Earlybird and Liebman’s Deli offered up their windows once again, while newer businesses such as Iscream and Laundricure joined the fun for the first time.

The event’s success was thanks in large part to community volunteers.

“The event committee comprised of members and friends working hard to continue a family-friendly event,” said Amelia Chaves, president of the Kiwanis Club of Riverdale. “On the day of the event, volunteers from the Key Clubs at the Bronx High School of Science and Riverdale/Kingsbridge Academy helped facilitate the contest. We are thankful for community support and look forward to continuing the tradition.”

Committee members included, Virginia and Scott Krompinger, Robert and Barbara Rubinstein, Richard and Janet Peterson, Johanna Edmonson, Dr. Zenath and Jameela Jalal and Al Levi and family.

The full list of winners can be seen below: