Cowgirls twirling glowing batons, band members dressed as Dr. Seuss characters tooting their flutes, dogs dressed as Elvis, and baby pumpkins toting bags stuffed with candy marched the streets of downtown State College on Monday in the 64th Halloween parade.

Centre Region Parks and Recreation put on the event headed by Beth Lee, recreation supervisor for programs and special events. Lee said the parade usually gathers about 1,500 participants and allows the people of State College to gather for a fun and family friendly function.

"It's something people really get excited about," Lee said.

"The amount of creativity behind the costumes is amazing to me."

After walking down Burrowes Street to the thumping drums and sounding horns of the State College Area High School marching band, participants cut over College Avenue and up toward Memorial Field. Parade-goers were divided into categories by costume and judged on creativity and uniqueness, with cash prizes up for grabs.

Lee said the event wouldn't be possible without the help of more than 30 student volunteers who organize groups and lead the costumed kids to the field.

"Without them, it wouldn't run nearly as smoothly," Lee said. "Not only does it help us -- it helps the students see what's going on in the community. It gives the community a chance to see the student helping out in a positive way."

Lauren Bowie (junior-public relations) volunteered to hold signs in the parade through her service sorority, Gamma Sigma Sigma. She said helping with the parade was both a way to have fun and get involved in the State College community.

"I think it's a great way we can help them," Bowie said. "We wanted to do this. It's fun -- one of the only ways you can get involved in the community."

When parents ask Bowie why she comes out to volunteer, she tells them she likes helping out and especially enjoys seeing the local children dressed up and having a good time.

"The coolest thing is seeing all the little kids," Bowie said. "They're so cute, and they're so excited. They are really happy, and it makes me happy."

Pat Eyster and her husband Blake have lived in State College since 1963 and said they both enjoy coming out to the traditional State College festivities, especially to watch members of their family participate.

"We're here tonight watching our grandchildren and our son and daughter-in-law and all their friends," Pat Eyster said.

Blake Eyster, a Penn State graduate, said although he hasn't been a student for a long time, he still finds student involvement in the community a great idea.

"The students usually do the judging, and I think it helps to make the bond between the students and the families," Blake said. "There's so much to do here, any kind of entertainment. We love it."

David and Aileen Querry-Goncalves have been walking in the parade for six years with their son Alex, 14, and their daughter Nina, 5. Aileen Querry-Goncalves said the families' preparing for the parade and walking together is important.

The Querry-Goncalves clan, who dressed as Egyptian pharaohs and pulled a miniature version of Khufu's pyramid behind them, made all of their colorfully decorated costumes by hand.

"This is really something that makes State College special," David Querry-Goncalves said.