Halloween means tricks and treats for many, as well as the return of the Village Halloween Parade.

The 35th annual celebration began at 7 p.m., and thousands walked up Sixth Avenue from Spring Street to 21st Street to show off their frightening or funny costumes.

The warm October weather helped bring out an estimated 60,000 costumed participants and an estimated 1.8 million spectators, according to parade marshals.

The parade's theme was "Ghosts," recalling the ancient tradition that wearing costumes would help appease spirits.

However, the country's economic woes could not be appeased and took a toll on the Halloween parade.

The annual Village Halloween Parade's artistic director, Jeanne Fleming, said seven of the parade's major sponsors have pulled out, cutting the parade's budget in half.

Some of the cost-cutting measures included cutting special lighting that brightens the parade route and having staffers work for free. Fleming said such moves did not stop the carnival-like atmosphere.

"It's the spirit of New York that is just never going to be suppressed. It's always going to rise up," said Fleming.

Nevertheless, parade-goers came out to show off their quirky, often homemade takes on the supernatural, pop culture and politics.

Among the marchers were elaborate floats, marching bands and a group of tens of people dressed as zombies and dancing in unison to Michael Jackson's "Thriller."

Politically-themed costumes were common, and included the two presidential candidates, vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin and even a voting booth.

Other more complex costumes included an oven, a photo booth and Brooklyn's Cyclone rollercoaster.

Onlookers enjoyed the parade's intense, creative spirit.

"This is my first year at the parade ever. I don't dress up, but I'm here and I'm having the greatest time and I'm ready to go," said a parade attendee.

One man was even dressed as NY1's morning anchor Pat Kiernan, seated at a portable desk for an "In The Papers" segment.

"I watch Pat every morning, love it, couldn't be anybody better," said the local news fan.

Many costumed marchers said they took days and even weeks to put together their costumes, and some have probably started to plan out next year's costumes.