10-21-2024 4:18am

TONIGHT: Witches and Ghosts To Take Over Bally's Main Street

Lesley Misko Editor

by Lesley Misko

Adding to the Halloween spirit, tonight, Oct. 21 at 7:00 PM, Bally kicks off its annual Halloween parade, sponsored by the Bally Lions Club. The parade, which runs about an hour, begins at the community pool, marches down Main St., and wraps up at the firehouse.

Lions Club member Lee Heffner, who co-chairs the parade with Lion Barry Dierolf, explains that there is no pre-registration required for participation. Instead, those wishing to march in the parade should sign up at the designated area near the Bally Office Building and Baseball field on Chestnut St. at 6:00 PM. There are no fees; donations will be accepted.

Children marching in costume will receive $1.00 from the Lions at the end of the parade, and cash prizes will also be awarded for floats. Parade participants will be given a number when they sign up and they should have it visible for judging awards purposes. The judges, Lions Club member, will be located at Church and Main Streets.

The parade is certain to be entertaining. Parade-goers will enjoy the combined Middle School East and West band and the Boyertown Alumni Band. Costumed pets are also welcome, if they are well-controlled by their owners. The Lions promise that candy will be plentiful.

Heffner shares, “Seeing the floats every year is my favorite part of the parade. We usually get about 20-25 groups and people are creative. I’m always surprised. Some of the scout troops are especially clever. It’s obvious they put real effort into it.” Heffner is also pleased with the spectator turnout: “Even if it’s cold, we get a good size crowd.”

Bally Lions Club secretary Joshua Sloan describes the parade as “a really fun time.” He believes the parade benefits the community by calling attention to its spirit and work ethic, and the many things life in Bally offers. The parade “draws people from outside Bally. Then they visit our restaurants and see the things we do, like our banners on Main Street. It is so nice to have participation from surrounding areas, and it is good for the local economy,” he explains.

Heffner and Sloan both point out that detouring cars off the main thoroughfare in Bally for an hour is no easy thing. This year they posted signs in advance at each end of town to warn drivers that the street will be shut down to traffic at 6:45 so drivers can plan accordingly.

Parking for the parade can also be challenging, so this year some parking has been added at various places, including on South 7th Street, across from Bally Block. There will also be parking at Main Street Pub, at the firehouse, and several other locations.

Parade organizers emphasize safety. Their main goal is to provide fun and entertainment for all.