ATHENS, Ohio – Halloween is an especially meaningful time of year for Athens County residents and visitors. This year, photographer Leah Nairn attended events throughout the area: the Witches Paddle, held on the water at Strouds Run State Park, Chauncey’s Halloween Parade, Glouster’s Trick-or-Treat and, of course, the annual Athens Block Party on Court Street.
Locals take part in the annual Trick-or-Treat event held Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026 in Glouster, Ohio. Photo by Leah Nairn.Glouster residents dressed in costumes for the annual Trick or Treat event cross the railroad tracks and into town. Photo taken Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026 by Photo by Leah Nairn.Cohen Marsh, 3, enjoys a hotdog following Chauncey’s Halloween Parade held Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026, in Chauncey, Ohio. Photo by Leah Nairn.Members of the Athens High School Marching Band enjoy hotdogs following the Halloween Parade in Chauncey, Ohio, on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026. A toddler enjoys the bubble machine during the dance contest held during the family-friendly portion of the Athens Halloween Block Party, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026. Photo by Leah Nairn.Kids in costumes find a high spot on Court Street to watch the Honey for the Heart Parade, an annual highlight of the Athens Halloween Block Party, held Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026 in Uptown Athens, Ohio. Photo by Leah Nairn.A group of percussionists playing samba music provided the beat for the Honey for the Heart Parade held during the annual Athens Halloween Block Party held Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026 in Uptown Athens, Ohio. Photo by Leah Nairn.Hecktronix plays to a crowd of thousands at the annual Athens Halloween Block Party held Uptown Athens, Ohio, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026. Photo by Leah Nairn.
With a half-century under her belt, Leah Nairn decided to pivot from a 12-year career in law enforcement to pursue a master’s degree in visual communications and photojournalism through Ohio University. This is not her first trip to Athens, having obtained a bachelors in theater in 1999.
Photography has been a present through her life. In recent years, she combined her work in the criminal justice system with photography, creating “Redemption Through the Lens,” a book highlighting the accomplishments of folks in recovery from addiction.
Leah is also an accomplished musician and avid gardner with a focus on food preservation.
