Last Saturday, dozens of Baldwinsville’s fourth, fifth and sixth graders spent the morning adding their own unique festive touches to the store windows in the village.

Painting goblins, pumpkins, vampires and bats, the kids took part in an annual event sponsored by the Baldwinsville Optimist Club.

The kick-off to a Halloween parade also sponsored by the Optimist Club, the window-painting event is one that local children look forward to every year.

“I couldn’t wait to be able to paint,” said St. Mary’s fourth grader Tyler Jaeger who was thrilled to finally old enough to be able to participate.

On Saturday Oct. 28, the Optimist Club will host their annual Halloween parade and costume contest at Mercer Park.

All scouting groups, youth groups and residents are encouraged to show off their scariest, funniest, silliest or most creative costume.

“We have categories for children of all ages as well as contests for floats and decorated wagons,” said parade chairperson, Ron Rumpf.

Incorporating local flavor, parade participants will be treated to cider from Abbott’s Farm and donuts from P&C Foods.

“We like to support local businesses while giving everyone in the community a fun event to participate in,” Rumpf said.

“We will hold the contests rain or shine and have tents ready for the kids to be judged under in case the weather doesn’t cooperate.”

Registration for the contests will be held from 8:45 to 9:15 a.m. and judging will begin at 9:15 a.m.