Preparations under way for Halloween parade

BORDENTOWN CITY —The Bordentown Halloween Parade has become a tradition in town over the years. Members of the Consolidated Fire Association have been coordinating the parade since its creation in 1970 following the completion of its station on Crosswicks Street. Chairman Steve McGowan said he can only remember three or four years that the parade was cancelled — one or two years that it rained every Sunday for three weeks straight and two years that the parade was put on hold to celebrate the town’s 300th and 325th anniversaries.
    Not much has changed over the past 38 years: families will put their lawn chairs outside the morning of the parade to save a prime spot on the sidewalk, children will dress up in their costumes for a trial run before Halloween and catch candy being thrown from the floats, local bands will play their music as they march proudly down the center of town and the town will have a buzz of excitement and anticipation.
    This year’s parade will be held on Sunday, Oct. 26 at 2 p.m., but you still have plenty of time to call to register your float or marching group. Many of your favorites have already registered including, the Bordentown Township Senior Citizens Float, Bordentown Home for Funeral who supports the local Girl Scout Troop Float, Bordentown Elks Float and The Garrett Family Float. Please call Steve McGowan at 609-298-9328 to register your float. Masquerades will be judge in front of St Mary’s School at 1 p.m. the day of the parade; categories include Children, Adult, Family and Group prizes.
    The fourth annual House Decorating contest will take place this year as well. Houses in Bordentown City, Bordentown Township and Fieldsboro will be judged starting the Saturday night before the parade and Sunday morning of the parade. But don’t wait for October; start decorating your houses now. Mums, corn stalks, and pumpkins are a great way to start. One of Bordentown’s newest traditions in the house decorating contest has already begun planning; many Thompson Street residents have confirmed their participation in this year’s contest, but will not disclose their theme. First and second prizes will be awarded. For more information about the house decorating contest, please contact Jim Brimmer at 609-298-1686.