Annual Halloween parade not just for kids anymore
by Abby Lietz

Candy and make believe are two things synonymous with childhood delights. But they also coincide with Halloween, and on Saturday in Monticello, it’s not just for kids.

This year’s Greater Monticello Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Bureau Halloween parade and costume judging contest will take place Saturday, Oct. 29 with some new additions and treats for everyone.

Participants of all ages are encouraged to put together their most creative and outrageous costumes, and register for the costume judging at the bandstand on the grounds of the White County Building in downtown Monticello between 3 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. next Saturday.

Participants will then strut their stuff at 4 p.m. in a walk along the sidewalks around the courthouse with judging following the parade at the Monticello Fire Station, 120 W. Washington St.
In the event of inclement weather, judging only will take place at the fire station.

Entries will divided into age groups, with cash prizes going to the first four places in each group. Categories are 0-1 years of age, 2-3 years, 4-5 years, 6-8 years, 9-12 years, 13 years through adults, which combines with groups and the inaugural pet category.

“Some people don’t have kids but have pets and we thought it would get those people to come out and join in the fun, too,” said Jessica West, administrative assistant with the Chamber of Commerce.
According to buycostumes.com, hot pet costumes this year range anywhere from Raggedy Ann and Mickey Mouse to Yoda, Spider Man and ‘Dogula.’

The only requirement for pet entries is that owners clean up after them.
Apart from pets, though, West expects a big turnout this year after last year saw about 400 parade entries. She also noted that the parade committee will stuff about 500 treat bags for those who enter the contest.

There have been some interesting costumes over the past 16 years of the parade’s history, including a baby dressed as a monkey and the cast of the Wizard of Oz, West recalls.

Ten-year-old Megan Shaffer, Monticello, who earned second place in her age group last year, is looking to top the competition this year with her Christmas tree costume.

“I was a fish last year,” said Megan, whose mother Christine is in the midst of crafting three different costumes for her trio of daughters. “We’re thinking of getting Styrofoam and making candy canes, and I’ll have a star hat, garland and we’re trying to put lights on,” Megan said excitedly about her costume’s design.

“I think I’m gonna do pretty well. I’m pretty excited.”

Parade participants, West noted, are not required to live in Monticello.

But there’s more in store Saturday for those captivated by the revelry of Halloween.

Operation Interdependence, a non-profit organization that coordinates civilian to military support, will be set up on the courthouse grounds collecting letters for troops and donations for care packages that will be sent overseas.
Parade participants are encouraged to bring letters or color pictures for soldiers and bring them Saturday. There will also be an opportunity to record a video message, in costume, for the troops.

When writing letters, said Kathi Lange-Brown of Operation Interdependence, it is important for children not to include last names or address. If an entire family is writing a letter, an address may be included.
Following the parade and judging Saturday will be trick-or-treating in Monticello from 6 p.m.to 8 p.m.