Can't snow on this Halloween parade

WARWICK — Coming on the heels of a freak snowstorm with numerous power outages and downed trees, many people believed there would be a light turnout for Warwick's annual Halloween Parade on Monday, Oct. 31. But to most observers, it was the largest turnout so far of ghosts, goblins, witches and an assortment of movie, cartoon and even more creative characters assembled across the road from the Village Hall. Shortly after 4 p.m. the participants, led by local dignitaries, headed down Main St. to Railroad Avenue, which had been closed to traffic. The original destination, Railroad Green, was still covered with snow. In spite of the poor conditions, the line of march extended from the starting point, across from Village Hall, to almost the end of Main Street. Upon arrival at Railroad Avenue, volunteers served gallons of apple cider, boxes of donuts, cakes and other refreshments courtesy of Warwick ShopRite. The costumed participants were divided into three age groups. Ron Intorini from the Village Recreation Department acted as emcee and introduced each contestant, one at a time, to this year's judges. They were Assemblywoman Annie Rabbit, Supervisor Michael Sweeton, Mayor Michael Newhard and Town Justice Peter Barlet. Prizes, donated by local merchants, were awarded to the winners in each of the categories including scariest, cutest, most original and most patriotic. Jimmy Dooley did the best job of collecting prizes for the winners," said Post 214 Commander Bruce Sutton, "and 98 per cent of the merchants donated. They were great." Although Warwick's American Legion Post 214 was the lead co-sponsor with the Village of Warwick for this year's event, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4662 will traditionally play that role next year and on alternate years thereafter.