Goshen to host parade, costume contest and party

Goshen —Goshen will be celebrating Halloween with a parade, costume contest, and party from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 22. The parade in the village starts out from Erie Street at 12:30 p.m., and will end at the First Presbyterian Church. Parade-goers should arrive by 12:15 p.m. Parking will be in the government center parking lot. Drivers should enter from Scotchtown Avenue only because Erie Street will be closed. All residents are invited to march in costume. There is no age restriction, but children 10 and under must be supervised by an adult. No pets will be allowed. A costume contest will be held at the statue in Village Square immediately after the parade. A party at Craigville Park follows the contest and continues until 5:30 p.m. The party is free and open to all Goshen School District residents. Pre-registration is required by all parents and children and may be done on-line at www.goshenparksandrecreation.org (under the recreation section). After the Goshen Parks and Recreation Commission approves the registration, it will provide information on how to receive the wristbands required to attend the party. Free activities and food will be provided at the party. Activities will include hayrides to the pumpkin patch, tattoos, arts and crafts, Mad Science, child fingerprinting, McGruff the Dog, inflatable bouncies, and hot dogs, among other treats. A pumpkin-carving contest will be held during the party. Residents should bring their carved or decorated pumpkins to Craigville Park between 9 and 10 a.m. to enter. First- and second-place prizes will be awarded in six categories: scariest, cutest, most original, most patriotic, sports, and funniest. The parks and recreation commission extends its thanks to the Goshen town and village police departments for their support with the event. The rain date is Oct. 29.