Halloween parade illustrates a sense of community

To the Editor: So often we hear about the “good old days” and how “cold and indifferent society is today.” One needs only to visit the town of Branchville on Halloween to see that the sense of community and sacrifice are still alive and well. Along with the many town folks joyfully handing out treats to thousands of costumed children, there is the annual evening parade organized by the Branchville Businessmen’s Club. It is an activity spanning some six decades and still demonstrating “small town values.” The efforts of many people/groups need to be recognized for providing such an event. First and foremost, the town of Branchville is to be commended for providing a safe environment, along with the efforts of town workers in setting up the square for the parade. Concrete Stone and Tile funded the 1,000 hot dogs, donuts, Crackerjacks, cider and prizes awarded. Support was provided by the Sheriff’s dept. for traffic and crowd safety; Bellis Trucking for the “grandstand;” Joe Accetta’s Barber Shop (providing a place to cook and serve all the refreshments); Maryann Accetta and her “witches’ crew” of judges; Steve Okenson (the M.C.); Culver Lake and Blackburn Nurseries for decorations; Belcher’s Store, and the small army of cooks, servers and parade masters from the Branchville Businessmen’s Club. If there is anyone overlooked, we apologize, but extend a warm thank you as well. So, next Halloween, rather than sitting home watching endless news shows depicting society in the negative, visit the days we all long for in good old downtown Branchville. Wallace Butler, Branchville Businessmen’s Club Sussex