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More than 400 turn out for Halloween bash

| 25 Oct 2013 | 03:58
    Frankenstein Kailee Godoy, Werewolf Adriana Capo, Fallen Angel Autumn Tyler and Mad Hatter Bella Bertram, all 8, all of Chester. (Photos by Ginny Privitar)
    Frankenstein Kailee Godoy, Werewolf Adriana Capo, Fallen Angel Autumn Tyler and Mad Hatter Bella Bertram, all 8, all of Chester. (Photos by Ginny Privitar)
    The Peanuts Gang Chester, Emma Boardman, 9, as Sally, and the Grecos: CC Greco, 4 as Lucy in wagon, Drew 10, as Charlie Brown, Alex 8, as Pigpen, Nicole Greco as Woodstock, Kristi as Snoopy and Cole Greco 10, as Linus. (Photos by Ginny Privitar)
    The Peanuts Gang Chester, Emma Boardman, 9, as Sally, and the Grecos: CC Greco, 4 as Lucy in wagon, Drew 10, as Charlie Brown, Alex 8, as Pigpen, Nicole Greco as Woodstock, Kristi as Snoopy and Cole Greco 10, as Linus. (Photos by Ginny Privitar)
    Harlequin Lianna Vargas, 8, of Chester
    Harlequin Lianna Vargas, 8, of Chester
    Lady Vampire Nathali Luna, 5 and witch Areli Aguilar 4, of Chester
    Lady Vampire Nathali Luna, 5 and witch Areli Aguilar 4, of Chester
    Masquerade in Black AnnMarie Woods and Red Geisha Carol Ceballos, both of Chester
    Masquerade in Black AnnMarie Woods and Red Geisha Carol Ceballos, both of Chester
    A dapper young man: Ethan Campo as Oz.
    A dapper young man: Ethan Campo as Oz.
    A grownup pirate seeking treasure.
    A grownup pirate seeking treasure.
    Tim Ferarro as Big Bad Wolf won first place for Most Handsome Adult
    Tim Ferarro as Big Bad Wolf won first place for Most Handsome Adult

CHESTER — There were fairies and Frankenstein, pirates and princesses, and everyone else you could imagine at Chester’s 2013 Halloween Parade and Party last Sunday. More than 400 people registered in costume, and estimates are about 800 people attended the festivities.

Volunteers in the community put the event together and donated food or prizes. Dori Gilbert and her husband, Ed, are “the heart and soul of the Halloween Party,” according to Mayor Phil Valastro. They, as the Chester Community Fund, along with Cathy and Barney Morris, worked hard to make it a success. Others who helped make it happen include the Village Board; police Chief Peter Graziano, his wife, Cheri, and the police department; Charlie Bono and the Street Department; President Matt Murray and the Walton Engine and Hose Company, whose members cooked hundreds of burgers and hot dogs; Carrero’s Italian Sausage food truck; and many volunteers, including Girl Scouts, leaders, Junior National Honor Society and Key Club members. Sponsors included ShopRite, and McDonald’s — the latter provided two bikes as prizes, A Touch of Class DJ aand Karaoke provided music, and Laura’s Sweets in Sugar Loaf donated cupcakes.

Johnson's Farm loaned and delivered 500 bales of hay. The Bruderhof gave tractor rides.

Joe and Phyllis Battiato initiated the celebration and ran it for many years — and it's still going strong. In fact, the parade and party get bigger and better every year.

Story and photos by Ginny Privitar. For more photos, click on the blue arrow to the right of the photo above. Still more photos are available at the following links:

http://bit.ly/17j97mA
http://bit.ly/1aroJTs