Boosolini Returns Soon For Annual Collinsville Halloween Parade

Once a year he comes out to judge your costume, hear your teenager scream, throw candy at your children and rule the streets of Collinsville. 

That’s right, it’s almost time for Boosolini Collins' appearance at the 20th Anniversary Collinsville Halloween parade on Oct. 26.

Many believe that Boosolini is John Squier. It’s logical enough. Squier has several monikers. His art and tattoos are crafted under the name Jon Art. But Patch has learned that to say he simply plays the role of this lab-coat wearing creature from the netherworld is an oversimplification.

Squier said current Collinsville Arts Initiative treasurer Arlene DeMaris came up with the name but from there, it’s a bit of a mystery how Boosolini evolved.  

“The character, I guess, invented himself,” Squier said. “I refer to him as him.”

“It is weird. It’s a blur,” Squier added about each parade night. “I can’t remember anything that happened. Maybe I do become somebody else. I’ve seen video and absolutely crack up with things I totally forgot or never heard myself say.”

As the the event nears, Collinsville is already looking festive in preparation for the event. 

Residents can help the parade organizers pay for insurance, police coverage and other expenses. Shirts can be purchased at LaSalle Market and Village Sweet Shoppe and posters from each parade for $10 at Wilson’s Pub. Those who simply want to donate can send checks, made out to the Collinsville Arts Initiative Inc., to:

• Collinsville Arts Initiative c/o Arlene DeMaris
• 13 Cliff Drive 
• Avon CT 06001

The parade involves a jaunt through the streets of downtown Collinsville, costume judging, elaborate props and so much more. Patch plans to post more on the event as it nears but also learn more at https://www.facebook.com/collinsvillehalloween

During the day, more festivities are planned at the Ghoulish Gallery of Goods and Pumpkin Extravaganza.

You can also follow Boosolini on social media. We’re not quite sure how a once-a-year character uses it but we suspect it’s from another dimension or simply a ghost tweeter.

https://www.facebook.com/boosolini.collins?fref=ts

https://twitter.com/Boosolini