To the editor:

The Salem Chamber of Commerce would like to thank all the marchers, volunteers, sponsors, donors, schools and others who contributed to making the 13th annual Haunted Happenings Grand Parade a truly incredible spectacle.

Beneath the banner of a clear sky, the "Never Neverland"-themed parade attracted thousands of spectators from both nearby and afar. Grand marshals Mayor Kim Driscoll and Salem State College President Patricia Meservey led costumed Peter Pans, Tinker Bells and Captain Hooks who entertained school children, their parents, and many others who, for one night, refused to grow up.

The Salem Chamber of Commerce would like to specifically thank the following individuals and organizations for making this cherished community event possible:

Salem Chamber Sponsors: Dominion Energy, Eastern Bank, Salem Five Cents Savings Bank, DeIulis Brothers Construction, North Shore Medical Center, Peabody Essex Museum, Salem State College and the Salem Witch Museum.

Parade sponsors: Lotus Gifts, Thermal Circuits, Remember Salem, Danversbank, PreOwned Auto Sales, Rockafellas, Bewitched in Salem and Tarot by Kathi.

The Salem Chamber would also like to thank Shetland Park for allowing us to use its facility for the parade start; Biff Michaud, who drove Ms. East Coast Katey McMahon in a beautiful antique VW van: the Salem Police, Fire and Public Works departments; and all the amazing parade volunteers including Jennifer Bell of Salem Main Streets, Deb Arthur, Donna Croteau, Rob and Lisa DeRosier, Christian Haselgrove, Sandy Heaphy, Rob Liani and the Coffee Time staff, Claire Peterson, Tim Smith, Bruce and Casey Whear and Paul Durand.

A special thank you goes out to the YMCA Bucket Brigade including the Salem Youth Football League, which tirelessly collected donations from parade spectators in an effort to raise funds for next year's parade.

Thanks again to all!

RINUS OOSTHOEK

Executive director, Salem Chamber of Commerce

Salem