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SOMERS, N.Y. – If the fallout from Hurricane Sandy prevents trick-or-treating on Halloween night, the area's youngest witches, pirates, superheroes and princesses will have had their spooky fun at Sunday's annual Halloween costume parade in Somers.
Hosted by the Community YMCA of Northern Westchester, the parade, which is now in its 16th year, began at Somers Town Centre, where local children lined up decked in their Halloween best.
At parade's end in Bailey Park, organizers arranged a party with a bouncy castle, games, candy and a costume contest. Prizes were handed out in categories like "Cutest Costume," which went to a baby monkey, and "Best Family Costume," which went to a family of crayons.
"Most Creative Costume" went to LEGO man James Lopatka, 7, who said his dad constructed his costume for him. "I have over 1,000 Legos," he said.
Maire Bronson of the YMCA said all money raised via admission fees for the post-parade children's party is going to the organization's Strong Kids Campaign. The program provides financial assistance to local youth and families, which help make sure every child has access to local YMCA programs regardless of their ability to pay.
Requests to the program for subsidies have gone up $20,000 this year compared to last year, Bronson said. This program is special because "all the money you raise stays in your community," she said.
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A big thank you to all the families who came out to have fun and support the Community YMCA.
Maire Brosnan-Katavolos
Executive Director