On October 31st at 6 PM the Kiwanis Club of Leesburg holds its 50th annual Halloween parade in Leesburg. Children, and the young at heart, are invited to line King Street between Ida Lee Park and Safeway and have candy come to them as they watch bands, colorful floats and groups pass by. To help us celebrate this anniversary year, our Grand Marshal will be Leesburg's Mayor Kristen Umstadt. It was a Kiwanis member and former Leesburg Mayor Frank Raflo who helped start this spectacular event 50 years ago.

We would also encourage any military member active duty, reserve, or veteran to come out and walk behind our color guard proudly displaying something to indicate their branch of service or veteran organization they belong to. Kiwanis asks everyone, spectators and participants, to take canned goods or other non perishable food items to the parade to donate to Loudoun InterFaith Relief's food pantry. Contributions are especially needed for the approaching holidays. Manned collection boxes will be placed along the parade route for your convenience, or hand your donations to the volunteers around the interfaith vehicle as it proceeds at the end of the parade.

Viewing hint: avoid big crowds at the beginning of the parade; pick a spot on South King Street-you won't have as many people around, and candy doesn't run out by then, really. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to enter floats or vehicles or to walk in the parade. For everyone's safety and enjoyment, distribute only individually wrapped candy; be sure you have enough candy and volunteers to hand it out alongside your float or vehicle. For complete details and to register before October 29 contact the Kiwanis Club through Suzanne Wright at 703-737-2175 or slwright_va@comcast.net. Leesburg Police also remind entrants that only licensed drivers may operate motorized vehicles in the parade. Use of horns, air horns, sirens, high beams, and alley lights are prohibited. Live demonstrations involving use of weapons of any kind or the breaking of objects are not allowed for spectator safety.