It's been said that a village that scares together stays together, and if last Friday's inaugural Halloween parade and the party that followed is any indication, Mineola is a tight-knit community.

Hundreds of children and their families lined up in costume and paraded through the streets of central Mineola, to the sounds of the Chaminade High School Pep Band. Costumes ranged from the traditional witches and monsters to pop culture icons and superheroes.

"Are you happy?" said a relieved Kyle Teemsma to Mayor John Colbert as costumed children and their parents lined up on Washington Ave. "Here's your parade."

The good natured jibes aside, nearly 60 people volunteered their time to help the parade and party come off without a hitch. Colbert, who has been holding the Halloween party since his first year in office, was particularly pleased with all the work done.

"I knew the community would rise to the challenge," he said. "It's great for the kids and just a great way for the whole village to get together and see each other."

In addition to the volunteers, about 60 sponsors helped fund the festivities, which included a band, free refreshments, pony rides and barnyard animals, and a truly creepy spooky walk.

The Mineola Memorial Unit #349 American Legion Auxiliary sponsored the spook walk, which was created by Gary Mazur and a first-rate team of minds so sick, even this seasoned reporter got a scare.

By all accounts it was a successful night and a great start to a weekend. Colbert said he intends to maintain the tradition each year.