The Halloween Parade at California Avenue Elementary School and pumpkin patch on Halloween brought out all kinds of characters and family members to join in on the festivities. Marching on the blacktop, the students at California Avenue wore colorful and creative costumes on Tuesday, Oct. 31 including several princesses, super heroes, ninja turtles, an eagle, a bumble bee, unicorns, witches, and kitty cats, too.

New PTA President Marzy Pizarro for California Avenue Elementary has had her work cut out for her with events and activities for the students since she began her presidency in September.

“I am still learning a lot of new things and what it takes to be PTA President,” said Pizarro. “I love being an involved parent. Doesn’t get more involved than being PTA President.”

After organizing a jog-a-thon for Red Ribbon Week and then setting up a pumpkin patch a week later has been a bit overwhelming for Pizarro. However, having three kids that attend California Avenue gives her motivation.

“Jog-a -thon was great; weather was nice and kids had fun,” said Pizarro. “It was a success. So far it has been amazing, at times overwhelming, but I love it and have a great group of people who help me.”

All funds raised will help fund field trips for students and a shade structure for the primary playground.

Meanwhile, there were three businesses that donated pumpkins for the Halloween event: Save Mart, Dutch Hollow, and Van Groningen & Sons. Parent volunteers picked up the pumpkins and delivered them to the school. There were a few different varieties of pumpkins in all shapes and sizes placed on the blacktop by volunteers that were spaced out nicely so that the kids could maneuver around and select their favorite one.

“It went amazing,” expressed Pizarro. “We set up the pumpkins on the kindergarten playground and had each class come out and pick a pumpkin. The students loved it. To see their facial expressions was priceless.”