Ghoulish ghosts, pretty princesses and supreme superheroes all marched alongside each other down the streets of downtown Dowagiac Saturday morning, as the Dowagiac Optimist Club once again presented its annual Halloween Parade.

Despite the cloudy weather threatening rain, the ground remained dry as around 50 children assembled inside Beckwith Park that morning, clad in their Halloween disguises. Separated into five age groups, the children’s outfits were judged by organizers with the Optimists, with the top three winners receiving $15, $10 and $5 respectively.

Following the costume contest, the children and their parents took to streets of downtown Dowagiac, led by a police vehicle driven by Optimist President and Public Safety Director Steven Grinnewald. Following their short jaunt down Front, Main and Commercial Streets, the children were given bags of candy by the Optimist members.

Winning the costume contest this year were:

Ages 0-2

First: Liam Sandberg – Gnome

Second: Sophia Pontius – Box of popcorn

Third: Carter McCuddy – Baby tiger

Ages 3-4 (No last names provided)

First: Charlotte – Blaze

Second: Khariell – Batgirl

Third: Grace – Nana

Ages 5-6

First: Ryan Caldwell – Monster

Second: Kirsten Smith – Monster High

Third: Daniel Mathews – Luke Skywalker

Ages 7-8

First: Ryan Schrader – Jack Skelton

Second: Skyla Tackett – Cheshire Cat

Third: Joanna McDonald – Chicken

Ages 9-11(No last names provided)

First: Jess – Corpse Bride

Second: Aiden – Zombie

Third: Toby – Mr. Grimm