Chester Halloween parade this Saturday

Chester — Ghoulies and ghosties and long-leggedy beasties will be gathering in Chester this Sunday for the 16th annual Halloween parade and party. Registration begins promptly at 1 p.m. at 10 Greycourt Ave. in Historic Downtown Chester. The parade will set out at 2 p.m., ending at the Village Barn on Vadala Lane. In the event of rain, the whole show will move to the Village Barn. All Chester residents are urged to come out and enjoy the day. Everyone who registers just before the parade will be eligible for free prizes. Bring some extra bags to carry home the loot. The categories in this year’s costume contest are: prettiest or most handsome, cutest infant or toddler, scariest, most original, best adult, best duo or group, best pet entry, judge’s choice, and best overall. Free refreshments will be served to all who attend. Children may enter a small pumpkin they have painted into the “Painted Pumpkin Contest” at 1:15 p.m. The pumpkins will be distributed to patients in local hospitals after the parade. “We try to make it a little better each year,” said Phyllis Battiato, co-chair of the event. For more information, call 469-4956.