Once again, Chester comes through

for its annual Halloween celebration Popular annual parade and party coming on Oct. 17 Chester — The ghosts, vampires, princesses, and superheroes who have remained in hiding all year will make a grand appearance at Chester’s annual parade and party from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 17. The event will be rain or shine. If you want to have your costume judged, register no later than 1:55 p.m. Registration starts at 1 p.m. at 10 Greycourt Avenue in downtown Chester. The parade starts at 10 Greycourt and ends at Vadala Road. The party starts right after the parade. There will be great prizes, free raffles, giveaways, games, free refreshments, and plenty of community spirit. The suggested donation is one bag of candy per family and one non-perishable item for the Chester food pantry. The parade committee is also accepting gently used Halloween costumes for those who need them. Businesses or organizations that wish to enter a float should call Jack Courtenay of the Village of Chester Police Benevolent Association at 494-6595. The PBA also welcomes donations in order to keep the event free for all. The PBA is a federally recognized charitable organization, and donations are tax-deductible. In addition to the PBA, sponsors include the police department and the Chester Halloween Committee. For more information and updates, visit www.villageofchester.com/police (click on link for parade info under News and Events). Last year, a group of volunteers stepped up to take over the parade and party, which started 20 years ago as a tiny procession that trooped out from the Battiato family’s farm stand. Phyllis Battiato saw the event grow steadily over the years,and last year announced her retirement with a call for “new blood, new energy” that was readily answered.