ONEONTA _ The annual Halloween parade on Main Street in Oneonta had all the atmosphere of a spooky, spirit-filled night, albeit a bit soggy.
This year's parade had many new costumes and the parade floats were eye-catching, while sporadic rain did not dampen enthusiasm.
Parade chairwoman Catrina Truesdell, secretary of the Oneonta Rotary Club _ which helped organize the parade _ said "this year's parade was good despite the weather."
Co-chairwomen Barbara Ann Heegan, Oneonta Rotary Club vice president, and member Emily Ernsberger were helping fellow volunteers serve free cider and donuts. The refreshments were donated by Annutto's Farm Stand with napkins donated by Hannaford.
While enjoying refreshments, 12-year-old Kendall Gillette, dressed as Flo from the Progressive TV commercials, observed, "I liked the costumes a lot this year; they were even better than last year's."
Nine-year-old Peyton Gillette participated with the Greater Plains Elementary School as the butter of a peanut-butter pair.
Stephanie Havens, 14, said, "This year's parade was really fun to watch but a little bit cold."
Volunteers were as much a part of the tradition as the costumed participants and their props, from directing traffic to judging costumes. The Lions, Kiwanis and Sertoma clubs were all involved in the event.
The Oneonta Police Department was present throughout the entire evening. Police Chief Joseph Redmond said, "Even with the weather, this year's parade had a great turnout."
Fourteen-year-old high-school band member Amy Hait said, "With the rain, the sheet music was hard to read, but it was still really fun."
Parade winners will be announced in an upcoming edition of The Daily Star.
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