ELYRIA — Little witches, princesses, ghosts and goblins took over Broad Street for the city’s 92nd annual Halloween Parade.

An estimated 2,500 people and two marching bands turned out for the event sponsored by the Elyria Kiwanis and Elyria Recreation Department.

But the future of the parade is up in the air, according to Frank Gustoff, the city’s parks and recreation director.

Gustoff says he will have to slash nearly a third of his budget if voters again reject the 0.5 percent income tax renewal on the Nov. 4 ballot.

In March, voters rejected the renewal, which brings in about $6 million a year.

“We’d look at closing the pools and the ice rink, and eliminating Thursday concerts and Christmas at Finwood,” he said. “We’d be lucky to mow the grass.”

Elyria parents and grandparents who ate doughnuts and drank cider with their children after the parade Sunday were divided on the income tax renewal.

“I will vote no — we can’t afford it right now,” said Diana Bennett, who has children ages 16, 13 and 10.

But Michelle Songer, the mother of five, said she’ll support tax renewals for the city and schools even though times are tough.

“Me neither — I can’t afford it — but they’re renewals,” said Songer, whose 10-year-old daughter Kaylee Hummrich dressed as an adorable scarecrow.

Songer said it would be a shame if Elyria lost its pools — and its pride.

“I love the pride — Elyria pride,” Songer said. “That’s all some kids do during the summer — go to the pools. There’s going to be more children in trouble.”

Also voting for the tax will be Stephanie Green-Jones, who wheeled her daughter Madison, 6 months old and dressed as a pumpkin, in a stroller accompanied by her 5-year-old son Jeremy, who was dressed as a Marine, and older daughter Alyssa Green, 15, who marched in the parade.

“I hope everybody votes yes,” Green-Jones said. “We need to do whatever we have to, to help our city right now.”

Some of those attending the parade said they remain undecided about the tax, including Art Sutton, who accompanied his 5-year-old grandson Markel, who was dressed as

Spider-Man.

Kim Allgood said she can’t fathom going from three fire stations to just one station, a possibility floated by interim Fire Chief Joseph Pronesti in a story in Sunday’s Chronicle.

“They’ve already closed one fire station already,” Allgood said. “I think we need the tax.”

Sue Austin said she drives from Brook Park every year to attend the Halloween Parade with Allgood.

This year, they cheered on Allgood’s 16-year-old daughter, Aneshia, who played in the Elyria High School band.

Austin said Elyria is fortunate to have what is believed to be the longest-running Halloween parade in the country.

“I come out for this and the Apple Festival,” Austin said. “It gives you that hometown feeling.”

  Contact Cindy Leise at 329-7245 or cleise@chroniclet.com.

 

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