 Over the last three years, one of the most interesting and fun
aspects of the event has been the anticipation of whom Mayor Keith
Snyder would dress up as.Three years ago, he chose to be our
city's fire chief. Last year he and police Chief Ken Greenslate
fooled the crowd, with Snyder dressing as the chief, and the chief
dressing as an inmate of the Logan County Jail.
Two weeks ago at one of the city council meetings, Snyder dropped
a hint, saying he would be dressing as a city official. Beyond that
he would offer no other clues.
Needless to say, everyone was surprised and delighted when the
mayor arrived disguised at Lincoln's city treasurer, Chuck Conzo. Donning
a black wig, glasses, suit and tie, and carrying a desk calculator,
Snyder bore a striking resemblance to the treasurer.
This year was also an exceptional year for the kids and costumes,
as a wide variety of characters appeared. From ghoulish-looking
monsters, to good fairies, bad fairies, a snow princess, witches and
more, everyone took full advantage of the opportunity to dress up
and for a brief time become someone other than themselves.
In addition, several of the grown-ups also donned costumes and
joined in the masquerade fun.
According to Wanda Lee Rohlfs, the executive director of Main
Street Lincoln, this was a banner year for the parade. She also
commented that she was delighted to see so many parents participate.
"This year, it was really a family event, and that is wonderful,"
she said.
The group began their morning in Latham Park, then proceeded
around the town, starting at the Pink Shutter Thrift Store, then
moving on to Prairie Years and Abe's Carmelcorn. From there the
group traveled to A Perfect Escape on Broadway Street, then across
the railroad tracks to the west to the Blue Dog Inn. Leaving the
Blue Dog, they moved on to Pulaski Street, where they were treated
at the Alley-Bi and Log Cabin Quilt Shop.
Continuing east on Pulaski, trick-or-treaters were delighted to
find treats at Joe Ryan County Financial being handed out by the man
himself, dressed as the king of hearts. The fun on Pulaski continued
at Bryant's Arcade and ended with treats from Gehlbach Law Offices.
Moving on to Kickapoo Street, the kids made stops at Serendipity
Stitches, Cherished Memories, and Beans and Such. At National Rent
to Own, a female superhero handed out treats, while a large brown
dog scurried about among the children, giving waves and hugs to
everyone.
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The morning started winding down as kids paid visits to MKS
Jewelers, Mary Todd's Hallmark and Mission Mart on Broadway before
ending the parade in the parking lot of City Hall.
Once in the lot, children were treated once again with goodies
from Snyder.
Also joining in the fun this year was city Alderwoman Kathy Horn.
Dressed in a red kimono, the alderwoman-turned-geisha took part in
the entire parade and assisted Snyder in handing out treats at the
end of the day.
"This was a lot of fun," she said. "I usually have to work on
Saturdays, but this time I had the day off, so I decided to come
along. I'm really glad I did."
After everyone had more candy and treats than they could possibly
eat in a week, the final order of business was to draw out the names
of two winners of gift certificates from Abe's Carmelcorn.
The winners of the $5 gift certificates were 3-year-old Ashton
Boyd of Lincoln, and 8-year-old Vicky Martens, also of
Lincoln. Ashton is the son of Heather Galvin and Richard Boyd, and
Vicky's parents are Brian and Emma Martens.
Surely everyone agreed it was a great morning, spent with the
mayor aka city treasurer.
[By NILA SMITH]
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