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By James A. Glynn

If you happened to be passing the corner of East Yosemite Avenue and North E Street on Thursday night, you may have been startled by a gathering of creatures not ordinarily seen on Madera's streets.

There was a yellow ninja, a blue butterfly and a skeleton in a poodle skirt. A band of zombies stalked along the sidewalk in front of the District Chamber of Commerce building, while various witches, aliens, and pirates - including two Captain Hooks - socialized in Cesar Chavez Plaza. They were awaiting the march of mayhem.

Madera's 2009 Halloween Parade began a little after 6 p.m. Thursday. Children, ages 2 and over, were led on an abbreviated walk, instead of the four-block trek that had been planned, by members of the Kiwanis Club of Madera. The route was shortened because the parade started a bit late and it was decided that it would be best to have the children finish before dark.

Security was provided by Madera Police Department volunteers. The City of Madera Parks and Community Services Department helped to serve punch and distribute snacks. It also supplied trophies for the costume contest. General Business Supply donated some of the prizes, including a bright red American Flyer wagon, the most popular gift for the occasion.

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James A. Glynn Jim Glynn is a professor emeritus of sociology and can be contacted at j_glynn (at) sbcglobal.net. The Madera Tribune online subscription To subscribe or log on, CLICK HERE. For more information first, CLICK HERE.