An army of spooky ghosts, pretty princesses and mighty superheroes will take over the streets of downtown Saturday morning, as the Dowagiac Optimist Club will once again host the annual children’s Halloween Parade.

Children up to 11 years old are invited to show off their costumes to spectators with a short march around the block. The children will also have the opportunity to win cash prizes in a short costume judging competition, and every participant will receive a bag of candy for participating.

Past events have been a hit with local children, drawing between 100 and 120 costumed children, said Optimist Club President Steven Grinnewald.

“The kids always have a great time,” Grinnewald said. “They like getting out there and showing off their costumes. Most kids only get to use it for trick or treating, so this gives them opportunity to wear it multiple times.”

This year’s route will start at the gazebo on Beeson Street, with the precession making its way south on Front Street toward Park Place, passing city hall. The kids will then head North of Depot Drive, before ending back on Beeson Street.

Grinnewald, Dowagiac’s director of public safety, is organizing this year’s parade alongside fellow Optimist Jessica Kehrer, who is employed at Honor Credit Union. Honor donated $250 to the club for the parade this year, to help cover costs for purchasing candy bars, Skittles, Sweetarts and other candy for the grab bags.

The club itself will distribute the cash prizes for the top three costumes in each age category for the costume competition, with $15 going for first place, $10 for second and $5 for third.

Club members will be judging five different age groups: 0-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, and 9-11.

This is the first year that Grinnewald is in charge of organizing the event. He took over leadership of the Optimist Club earlier this year, after the previous president, Dave Strlekar, passed away while on vacation in April.

“It’s been fun to put all of this together,” Grinnewald said. “It takes a little bit of legwork, but the best part is when you’re out there that morning, seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces, watching them have fun.”

The morning festivities begin at 10 a.m., lasting no more than an hour, Grinnewald said.

“If you like free candy and a good time, you should come on out,” he said. “We look forward to seeing as many kids as possible.”