Downtown Dover Halloween parade is a 20 year tradition
By Kyle Valentini
October 28, 2011
911
Summary: The 20th Annual Lions Halloween Parade was the place to be Wednesday, Oct. 26 as local marching bands, businesses, families and politicians took to the streets under cloudy skies that never gave way to rain to march through downtown Dover dressed in costume. The popular event was hosted by the Dover Lions, the Dover Noon Lions and the Historic Canal Dover Association.
The threat of rain loomed over downtown Dover but it didnt stop a huge crowd from gathering to watch the 20th annual Dover Lions Halloween Parade on Oct. 26 in cooperation with the Historic Canal Dover Association (HCDA).
The event started at Tuscarawas Central Catholic Elementary School gymnasium with a costume judging contest for kids and adults coordinated by the Dover Noon Lions. Refreshments were provided, many with a Halloween theme.
2011 Dover Lions Rose Queen Layne Gerbig, daughter of Don & Fran Gerbig and her court with Attendant Kendra Saffell, daughter of Ron and Cathy Saffell and Attendant Marquette Hovan, daughter of Mike and Rhona Hovan, all of Dover, judged the contest.
First, second and third prizes were awarded to winners in four age groups:
Age 0 – 3: 1st Zachary Blankenship, 2nd, Braylon Mooney and 3rd Makayla Troyer
Age 4 – 7: 1st Kaylena Engler, 2nd Cameron Hagey, and 3rd Hunter White
Age 8 – 12: 1st: Anthony Young 2nd Henry Tulip and 3rd Francesca Alguire
Over the age of 12: 1st Linda Zito 2nd, John Herbert and 3rd Richard Christmas
Dancers from Tuscarawas Dance Arts and Backstage Studios, both at Dover, performed dance routines prior to the parade start at Walnut and Third Streets.
The parade wound its way down Walnut St. to Fourth and then onto Wooster Ave. finally turning at Third St. and ending at the post office.
Gary Petricola served as master of ceremonies and announced parade participants with assistance from HCDA president and Ward IV Dover City Councilman, Bob Mueller. We have had a surprising turn out this year. We have 73 participating groups. Thats nearly twice as many as usual. The parade is free to anyone who wants to participate. Its a fun event and it is always popular, said Mueller.
Second generation Lion club member, Bud Wills served as Grand Marshal at the parade with his wife, Rosemary at his side. The couple will soon be celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary.
Three marching bands from Dover, Strasburg and Tusky Valley High Schools marched in the parade and performed afterwards. Band members were dressed in costumes that ranged from the traditional to the bizarre. Spirits were high as the musicians took to the streets.
Several politicians participated in the parade with family, friends and supporters. Dover Mayor Rick Homrighausen was driven by pick-up truck through the crowded route while his opponent in the upcoming election, Tony Korns walked and shook hands with residents lining the street.
Nan DeGarmo VonAllman and Kristin Zemis, both candidates for Municipal Court Judge greeted the crowd as they walked the parade route.
Karams Martial Arts and Sports Training at New Philadelphia owners Matt, Audra, Adam and Lisa Karam along with instructors Lisa Fisher and Brandi Uebel and a large group of current students donning the traditional Tae Kwon Do uniform with some slight Halloween embellishments walked the parade route sharing candy with youngsters along the way.
Other participants in the parade included Simpson Heating and Cooling at New Philadelphia, Buehlers Parkside at Dover, Tuscarawas County Philharmonic, members of Dover Code Reds Our School, Our Choice campaign, supporters of We are Ohio, Members from the Dover School Orchestra, Underground Tattoo Studio at Dover, Dover Public Library, LACEY Performing Arts Center, local Girl Scouts, members of the Italian American Festival committee and many others.
Some downtown businesses stayed open later to serve the large crowd. Eiler Candy Shop was open for business to the delight of many who stopped to purchase candy.
Chartered in 1944, the Dover Lions have been serving Dover for 67 years. They meet the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at 6:30 at the Sunnyside Store at Parral. The Dover Noon Lions invite members of the community to join them at their noon meetings the first and third Wednesday of each month at Shoneys at Dover.
