Around Crofton: Crofton celebrates Halloween with the annual Kiwanis parade

In spite of the soggy weather, costumed kids of all ages came out for the 33rd annual Crofton Kiwanis Halloween Parade on Saturday. Leading the parade with sirens blaring were county police and emergency vehicles from the Arundel Volunteer Fire Department followed by a color guard troop from the U.S. Army Reserve.

Local business Turning Leaf Landscaping put together a festive and frightful float for the occasion and students from Vuong's Taekwondo Center passed out candy to parade watchers along the route. Marching bands from Arundel and South River High schools shared their musical talents as they rounded Crofton Parkway.

Not all parade participants were children. Spotted along the route was Laura Gayvert, dressed as Super Mom complete with cape, costume, coffee mug and curlers in her hair. Laura joined her super hero kids Nate, 4, dressed as The Dark Knight and Cassie, 7, sporting her Super Girl costume.

"The Halloween Parade has become an annual tradition in Crofton," said Al Tucker, parade coordinator and Kiwanis member. "We have parents who were in the parade as kids now walking the route with their own children. It is not unusual for two or three generations of families to take part in the parade."

At the end of the event, participants gathered at Crofton Elementary School for refreshments, more musical entertainment and the results of the costume contest.

Kiwanis members Paul Yates, dressed as "Captain Pumpkin" and Virginia Espie, aka Mrs. Pumpkin, announced all of the costume contest winners. Taking top prizes in the "Best Group" category were the Smith family, dressed as pumpkin pie; the Wilson family, dressed as characters from Disney's "The Little Mermaid" and the Keller family, dressed as characters from the Harry Potter movies. Top awards for the "Best Traditional Costume" went to Will Franklin, dressed as Dracula, Kira Mitchell, who was a wicked witch and Madison Ingrao for her bat costume.

The "Most Creative" costumes were worn by Sean Jackson, Batman in the Batmobile; Keirnan Jackson, who was Kermit the Frog and Brendan Jackson, who was Animal from The Muppets. Michael Nelson as a mummy, Emily Collier as a vampire and the Hajeski family dog LuLu, which was dressed as Princess Leia from Star Wars, won awards in the "Ugliest/Weirdest" category.

Winners in the "Cutest/Prettiest" category included Noel Harris as Cinderella, Penny Surlis as a garden gnome and Ashley Warner as a woodsprite.

Dedicated to community service, the Crofton Kiwanis have sponsored the annual Crofton Halloween Parade for 33 years. "The Kiwanis raise tens of thousands of dollars for organizations in Crofton," said Paul, addressing the parade crowd, noting that the biggest fundraiser of the year is the upcoming silent auction on Nov. 21 at the Knights of Columbus Hall. Proceeds from the event support youth programs, wounded veterans, the annual blood drives, Sarah's House, the Crofton Caring Council and many others charitable and civic organizations. For tickets or more information, call Crofton Kiwanis President Cheryl Malone at 410-721-9649.

The Crofton Village Garden Club will create about 125 small floral arrangements tomorrow for veterans at the Baltimore VA Rehabilitation and Extended Care Facility. In December, the club will hang wreaths on the Village Green. For information on club projects, visit www.CroftonVillageGardenClub.com.

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The United Methodist Women of Community United Methodist Church in Crofton will sponsor its bi-annual Community Country Market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 14 at 1690 Riedel Road at Route 424 in Crofton. The market will feature a vast array of items, including home and holiday handcrafts, children's activities and a Secret Santa Shop. There will also be baked goods, confections, painted glassware, pet gifts, jellies, vinegars and herbs, holiday floral arrangements, wreaths, jewelry and accessories.

Proceeds will go toward the purchase of new church sound equipment and UMW missions. There will also be a lunch cafe with proceeds directed to youth activities. Additional information is available at 410-721-9129.

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