Freeport Halloween parade steps out under bright Harvest moon

A clear night and a bright, full moon seemed made to order for Freeport’s community Halloween parade Wednesday night.

Complete with the Freeport Area High School marching band, twirlers, color guard and cheerleaders — most in costume — the parade featured hundreds of costumed children, parents and even pets.

“We gave out 350 bags to children, and we handed out 50 prizes,” said Christian Negley, an officer with the Freeport Volunteer Fire Company.

The treats were made possible by $700 donated by Freeport businesses, he said.

And the parade drew in residents from other areas, not only Freeport.

“I’ve been coming up to this since I was 5 or so,” said Cathy Rassau, now of the Holiday Park neighborhood of Plum. “Wouldn’t miss it.”

But celebrating Freeport was at the center of the festivities.

Businesses were giving away items and encouraging people to shop downtown.

“We have participated as a family and a business,” said Heidi Powell, owner-operator of NextHome Dynamic, a home sales brokerage. NextHome employee Renee Hikleman said the parade and other family-friendly events show the fiber of the borough.

“I’ve been here all my life, was in the parade when I was a kid,” said Jim Livingston, who played on a championship football squad in 1963 and graduated from Freeport High two years later.

Costumes ranged from the creepy to the lighthearted.

Josh Korbeck, wife Jocelyn, in costume as Glenda, the Good Witch of “The Wizard of Oz,” and 11-month-old son Casmir, all from Freeport, took part in the parade with dogs Stella and Duke.

Stella was dressed as the Tin Man and Duke was the Cowardly Lion.

Wendy Olszewski, who was dressed up like “The Addams Family” character Cousin Itt, stood next to Morticia Addams, who is usually known as Cathy Donley.

Sarah Olszewski and young sons Ozzy and Ivan went with creepy costumes.

“We’re the zombie family,” she said.

And it was a good thing everyone enjoyed being in costume. Parents and kids had to make the parade circuit three times so judges had a chance to award prizes for best costumes.

Chuck Biedka is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Chuck at 724-226-4711, cbiedka@tribweb.com or via Twitter @ChuckBiedka.