Halloween Parade a Real Treat

Leesburg's annual Halloween Parade, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Leesburg, charmed newcomers and longtime residents with its range of creative and traditional costumes, floats, firetrucks and police cars on Monday. The parade lasted about 90 minutes and featured well over 100 units, said Suzanne Wright, parade chairman and secretary of the Kiwanis Club. 

Wright said the parade included those who registered months in advance and some that entered spontaneously, arriving just in time to join the lineup at Ida Lee Park. 

Among them was Loudoun Board of Supervisors Chairman Scott York and Virginia Senate hopeful Dick Black who both ran, literally and figuratively, down King Street as they tried to keep pace and distribute candy evenly. With an election just one week away, there were too many candidates to track.

However, that didn't seem to bother the trick-or-treaters who stood on the sidelines, arms stretched out, as they patiently waited for their yummy treats. 

"I love it. I hope they do it every year," said Ricardo Fleming, a newcomer who moved to Leesburg from Alexandria about a year ago. His wife informed him that the parade has become a tradition in Leesburg and has been held every year since 1957.

"Kiwanis is all about serving children. Anyone who has a love of helping children is welcome to join us," said Bob Wright, a former Kiwanis president who passed out pretzels and helped his wife, Suzanne, manage the floats. 

Leesburg Police were friendly and engaging as they patrolled the sidewalks, making sure everyone stayed out of the path of the floats. At the end of the parade Wright named the following floats as award-winners:

Best Float:    The Weider History Group
Most Creative:  Douglas Community Center
Best Interpretation of the Halloween Theme:  Hitt Contracting

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