Tyrone residents who peer out their window on Oct. 21 and see all types of ghost, ghouls and goblins shouldn’t be alarmed. The same goes for Bellwood residents on Oct. 28.
It’s the witching season again, and both communities are preparing for their annual Halloween parades.
“We’re looking for a good turnout again this year,” said Tim Kirkpatrick, director of the Tyrone Area Community Organization, the group who is again sponsoring the annual parade in Tyrone. “Everyone who attends always has a good time, especially the kids.”
Bud Collier, an organizer of the Bellwood Halloween Parade and member of the Clubsmen’s Association, echoed Kirkpatrick’s words.
“We have a lot of fun with it,” said Collier. “The kids are the reason why it is such a good time. They’re the only reason we do it.”
The Tyrone parade is scheduled to kickoff on Oct. 21 at 6 p.m. Line-up will be at the Highway Department on Lincoln Avenue beginning at 5 p.m. Those wishing to march in the parade and have the opportunity to win prizes must register between 4:30 and 6 p.m. in the American Legion parking lot.
“We have a whole bunch of age groups that can win first or second place,” said Kirkpatrick. “The prizes will be cold, hard cash.”
According to Kirkpatrick, the age groups are 0-4, 5-7, 8-10, 11-12, 13 and up, groups of 2-4, and groups of five or more. Individual winners will receive $15 for first place and $10 for second place. Group winners will get $20 for first place and $15 for second.
Judging will occur in front of the post office by Tyrone area business people. Categories include scariest, funniest, most original and prettiest.
Although all the details of who will be participating are still not known, Kirkpatrick did mention a few local groups and organizations that will participate. These include the Bellwood Fire Co., Hookies, Neptune Fire Company, Pinecroft Fire Company, Tipton Fire Company, Warriors Mark Fire Company and the Tyrone Borough Police Department.
The parade will snake down 14th Street to Pennsylvania Avenue, up Tenth Street and onto Washington Avenue in front of Epworth Manor, down Ninth Street and finally finishing at the Armory.
At the Armory, fresh donuts and apple cider will be served.
“We have really good people that work hard to put this parade together and make it fun,” said Kirkpatrick. “It has continuously grown.”
The Bellwood parade is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. on Oct. 28. Lineup starts at Houser’s with the parade weaving across the new bridge, down main street and finishing up at the Excelsior Fire Company, where gingerbread and apple cider will be served.
Like in Tyrone, parade participants also have the opportunity to win prizes.
According to Collier, several organizations have already committed to the parade, including the local fire companies, the Bellwood-Antis High School band and the Bellwood Police Department.
“We’re excited again this year,” said Collier. “The Clubsmen have been around for 70 years doing things for this fine community. Every thing we do is for the community, but this, in particular, is for the kids.”
