Goblins, super heroes, fairies and creatures of all kinds

First-ever community Halloween Parade to be held Oct. 30 in downtown Monroe MONROE — Hand-painted store windows will create a pathway along Lake Street for the Village of Monroe’s first-ever community Halloween Parade, to be held on Sunday, Oct. 30. For kids and those young at heart, the parade will offer an opportunity to show off their costume creativity in what organizers hope will be an event which demonstrates “the spirit of community and Halloween” where hundreds of people will participate. “I want this to be a really nice community activity where people can come out and see each other and socialize,” said Village of Monroe Deputy Clerk Elizabeth Doherty, who is heading the planning process as a member of Smith Clove Park’s activities committee. “I’d like this to have a real sense of community for people who normally don’t see each other and who can reconnect and join in together and do something fun.” All are welcomed Doherty stressed parade participants are not limited to those who just live in Monroe as people from surrounding communities are welcome. Prizes will be awarded in the “scariest,” “funniest” and “most original categories,” but Doherty added “we can create new categories as we go along. The more, the better.” Currently, prizes are being donated by Old Navy, which just opened a new store near Target in Harriman; Home Goods in Harriman; and Stop 'n’ Shop and Dunkin Donuts in Monroe. She hoped other businesses would become involved and support this community activity. In addition to individual participants, she said, school, scout and family groups are welcome as well as any other unique combinations. There is no age limit for participants. Music and floats Doherty is in search musical groups to parade along with costumed revelers as well as any group who wants to create something unique to lead the parade. “I think a float would be fantastic,” she said. “We would love as many floats as possible.” The Monroe Fire Department is providing a fire truck to conclude the parade and Doherty was hopeful some costumed creatures will be onboard. In the next few weeks, said Doherty, high school student volunteers will be creating special Halloween window art on storefronts. She welcomed the participation of anyone or group who wanted to add festive décor along the parade route. The parade will step off from the parking lot adjacent to Planet Pizza, and work its way along Lake Street, eventually ending up at Smith’s Clove Park. There, younger parade participants are welcome to participate in the park’s annual Halloween festivities, which include hay rides, pumpkin painting and a petting zoo. Parade prizes will be announced at the park after its conclusion. Community Doherty recalled that many, many years ago, there was a much smaller parade at the park. But she hopes this new focused effort on a community parade will draw hundreds of people who simply want to have an enjoyable afternoon. “It is really for the kids, but we know adults like Halloween too,” said Doherty. “I know how much fun kids have picking out their costumes and they like to show their costumes off. I think parents will be happy that the kids have more than one chance to wear their costumes too. When you do something for the first time, you just don’t know who will come. But my point is that we just want to bring everyone out to have some fun.” I want this to be a really nice community activity where people can come out and see each other and socialize. I’d like this to have a real sense of community for people who normally don’t see each other and who can reconnect and join in together and do something fun.” Elizabeth Doherty, who is heading the parade’s planning activities Can you help? Monroe Halloween parade organizers are seeking assistance from: Businesses and organizations to donate prizes or other materials Musical groups to march with participants Groups interested in creating special themed floats Anyone with ideas to enhance the parade “We’re very sensitive to keeping costs low so as to not burden taxpayers,” said organizer Elizabeth Doherty. “For anyone who wants to give back to the community, we would be very grateful to hear from them.” To learn more, call Doherty at 783-8341 to learn more. If you go The first Monroe area Halloween Parade will be held on Sunday, Oct. 30. Participants should queue up in the parking lot adjacent to Planet Pizza at noon for a 12:30 start time. Individuals, families, schools, scout groups and community organizations from around the area are invited to participate. Currently, prizes will be awarded for these categories: “Scariest,” “funniest” and “most original.” Organizers are hopeful to add more categories. The parade will conclude at Smith’s Clove Park where younger participants can participate in Halloween-themed activities there. In case of rain, the parade will evolve into an indoor procession at Smith’s Clove Park. For updates on parade activities, visit www.villageofmonroe.org or call 783-8341. “This is about getting started and taking that first step,” said Doherty. “We’re planting the seeds and hope this will grow each year.”