Halloween with parade, costume contest planned in Amherst

Amherst is preparing for its second annual Halloween parade march and costume contest Oct. 29.

Organized by Mike and Marie Ciu of Studio Q Photography in Amherst, the event is a bit different from the typical parade.

“To start, there are no cars or floats, which makes some ask why is it called a parade?” Mike Ciu said. “But really, it’s more about the kids and families that get to participate in it.”

Costumed participants will join the Marion L. Steele High School Marching Band as they march down Park Avenue toward Town Hall.

From there, participants are treated to donuts provided by Kiedrowski’s Simply Delicious Bakery.

“When I first took over the event last year, I wanted to create something that everyone could participate in and have fun,” Ciu said. “We want to make these kids feel special and give them a chance to show off their costumes while they enjoy Halloween.”

Preceding the march, the costume contest will take place in the parking lot of the Amherst Utilities Department, 480 Park Ave.

Participants will be separated into four categories with prizes ranging from gift cards to candy.

“We have four categories — three age groups and then a family/group one that 18 and older can participate in,” Ciu said. “In order to be classified as a group, you have to have at least two people, and so couples in costume will also be in that category.”

Categories include ages infant to 5; 6 to 10; and 11 to 18 and family/group.

The contest begins at 3 p.m. with judging starting at 3:45.

At 4 p.m., the marching band will begin the parade.

Amherst also announced hours for trick-or-treat which will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Oct. 31.

Downtown businesses will hold trick-or-treat from 4 to 5 p.m., Oct. 28.