Out and about on a rain-soaked Halloween

Rain didn’t stop Vashon’s Halloween — or its giant winged “Day of the Deadster.”

By Elizabeth Shepherd • November 4, 2025 9:30 am

Everyone knows that ghosts, goblins and other spectral spirits are not deterred by dark nights and gloomy weather, and this was certainly the case on Halloween, as decked-out islanders, undeterred by sometimes cold and driving rain, flocked to Vashon’s town center.

Wizards, warlocks, zombies and zany cartoon and pop-culture creatures of all ages stalked the streets, snatching candy from local vendors before stepping into haunted houses and hallways at businesses including Pandora’s Box, Recess Lab and Windermere Vashon.

Den of Pin, offering unlimited rounds of pinball games and a costume contest, was another popular drying-off spot, as was the haunted ambulance of Vashon Island Fire & Rescue, parked near the town’s four-way stop.

Standing watch over it all was the most magnificently clad islander of all, Matt Beursken, appearing as a towering winged being named Mateo, Day of the Deadster.

Beursken constructed the wings of his Día de los Muertos and monarch butterfly-themed costume from curtains and tablecloths, and then adorned them with reflective dots and large plastic diamonds. Using a moving dolly and two large casters, he then made a cart to support the wings, which were held aloft with bamboo and copper pipe. Both the cart and wings were attached to Beursken by a backpack frame.

The cart was decorated as an ofrenda, a traditional Day of the Dead altar, holding photos of his mother, Catherine Beursken, and his grandmother, Zelda Cline.

In an email, Beursken shared his memories of the night.

“The rainy weather almost had me staying home, but I’m not easily deterred when I have a costume to show off,” he said, expressing gratitude that he had been able to stow his costume under the awning of Vashon Theatre before donning it to walk up and down Vashon Highway.

He also said he was thankful for the almost complete lack of wind that accompanied the Friday night downpours.

“Wind was my nemesis, as it could overbalance the wings and cart,” he said. “I believe that I would have made the off-island news if that happened … headlined ‘Mateo Beursken flattened by his Day of the Dead costume. Memorial service to be announced at a later date.’”

After spending about an hour and a half walking up and down Vashon Highway, Beursken said he went home totally soaked and chilled to the bone. But the night had been worth it, he said.

“Some kids were a little afraid of the huge butterfly guy, but most liked it,” he said. “I don’t think they had seen anything of the sort before.”