The countdown to Sunday's Halloween parade begins now

MONROE — The response to the first Halloween Parade in recent memory in the Village of Monroe has been fantastic, according to organizers, who are relieved that Sunday’s weather will be great for princesses, ghosts and clown to cavort along the parade route. “The response from the community has been tremendous and highly positive,” said Village of Monroe Deputy Clerk Elizabeth Doherty, who is heading the planning process as a member of Smith Clove Park’s activities committee. “It’s a brand new experience and we’re looking forward to it. We ask that people be patient with us because all of us doing this are volunteers.” Doherty said two floats are currently registered to participate: one from the Brian Paul family in Harriman and another from the 4-H group. Doherty added the Monroe Girl Scout Service Unit is also planning to participate with a float. Doherty said she is also getting a positive response from business owners, who are asking her if children can trick or treat at their shops as well. “I’m going to leave it to them (business owners) as to how they want to handle this,” she added. “The whole idea is to bring people into the village and for business owners to have face-to-face contact with customers.” Doherty welcomed any other groups who want to provide floats and remains hopeful to find musicians to march in the parade. She asked they contact her by the close of business on Friday to sign-up. 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.