Costumes on parade: Drumline to lead Halloween procession through downtown Glen Ellyn
The cuteness factor is likely to surge in downtown Glen Ellyn Saturday when children don Halloween costumes and march in the village's holiday parade.
The procession is part of the Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce's annual Halloween Festival.
For the second year, the route will take the costumed youngsters and parents through several blocks on the north side of the railroad tracks, beginning at 9:45 a.m. at the parking lot at Glenwood Avenue and Crescent Boulevard.
Chamber Executive Director Dawn Smith said kids will follow the Glenbard West Drumline east on Crescent Boulevard, north on Forest Avenue, west on Pennsylvania Avenue and south on Main Street.
Live entertainment will begin at 10 a.m. with the Drumline, followed by the DeForest Dance Academy, Yong-In USA Martial Arts, Moves Dance Studio and the Golden Eagles Cheerleaders.
More cuteness will proliferate when Animal Rescue Foundation Illinois presents a pet costume contest at 12:20 p.m.
Prizes will be awarded in a variety of categories, ARF marketing director Susan Vertrees said, including best human-and-pet-combination, best overall costume and funniest costume.
Vertrees said participants should register by noon at the ARF booth.
The animal rescue group will have a photo booth set up, staffed by a professional photographer. While there is no charge to compete in the contest or get a professional portrait, Vertrees said donations are requested.
Pets must be leashed and properly restrained, she said.
Smith said children will have the opportunity to trick-or-treat at downtown businesses from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.
She said merchants have been preparing for the festival.
"The Scouts have been busy painting the store windows all through October," she said. "There will games and crafts on Main Street as well."
The Glen Ellyn Fire Department will offer a chance to see a fire truck up close at its downtown station and kids will be able to climb on board.
Free samples of Andy's Frozen Custard will be available, Smith said, and representatives from the Glen Ellyn Food Pantry will be on hand to accept monetary and food donations.
The festival and parade are free, she said, and usually draw more than 5,000 people to the downtown area.
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Halloween Festival and Parade
When: 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26
Where: Downtown Glen Ellyn
Admission: Free
Info: glenellynchamber.com or (630) 469-0907