The 2008 version of the annual Halloween Parade didn’t quite involve a parade this year, but 142 children showed up in costume and strode past the judges in hopes of getting first crack at the toys and games.  Dismal weather forecasts caused the Oliver Band to be the first to call and cancel their appearance for the parade.   Gradually all the guests planning to come were called and seemed only too happy not to have to march in the rain.

We again thank the Kunsak family for allowing us to use their garage for the registration and judging.   When the forecasters continued to call for more rain, Emmanuel Christian Church graciously volunteered their meeting room for the distribution of the candy and prizes, so that the children did not have to stand in the wet grass at
Legion Park, and the prizes did not get soggy resting on the monument. 

Councilwoman Darlene Harris attended our event, as she faithfully does, and handed out peanut butter crackers to the children.  As a surprise, she also gave tickets to the grownups.  Once the children were settled down waiting for the awards, she announced that she would draw a number after all the prizes were given out.  At the end of the festivities, the winner of two Steeler tickets for the game the following day was Kim Hemke. The tickets came with a free parking pass.  Thanks Darlene! We also appreciated Cindy Reott, from the Vault, coming to registration to pass out candy to the kids and discount coupons to the adults.

No Federation activity could be held without our many volunteers.  A lot of work goes into planning and carrying out all the events throughout the year.  One of the more difficult tasks for the Halloween Parade is being a judge.  This year the honors go to Joe and Judy Joyce and Alice Murtha.  With so many entertaining costumes, it is hard to rank them and do it quickly, but they succeeded. 

Judy Bendsten and Becky Spevac manned the registration table. Jill McGlothlin and Joan Bellisario took pictures of all the children in costume. Tom Kaylor stored the candy and transported the candy and toys to and fro in his trusty truck. Gert Long Made the number tags, stored the prizes, and worked the day of the parade with her daughter Ellen Cavaliere.  Ray Meyer set up the audio equipment and supervised the candy hand out.  Pete Bellisario chaired the event, wrote letters, made dozens of phone calls, hung the “No Parking” signs and took them down.  Cathy Kernan, Peggy Urzua, Maryann Kaylor, Helen Lorinc, and Dan Klobucar maintained order, set up and guarded the prizes with everyone helping with many jobs.

Gert Long, Dan Klobucar, Pete & Joan Bellisario, and Jill McGlothlin spent a morning in early October at “Toys ‘R Us” picking out the toys.  Then Pete, Gert, and Joan went shopping again at Sam’s Club the week of the parade to get the candy.   The candy packing  this year was held at Risen Lord.  Our packers were: Cathy Kernan, Allyson Notaro, Tom Kaylor, James Toomey, Gert Long, Ray Meyer, Andy & Sue McLaren, Donna Kramer, Roy Engleman, and Joan Bellisario.

View photos from 2008 Halloween Parade

View photos from 2007 Halloween Parade

View photos from 2006 Halloween Parade