Make a wish

NEW GLASGOW - Months of fundraising through barbecues, yard sales, raffles and pledge sheets came to an end Saturday as dozens came out to participate in the Children's Wishmakers Parade in New Glasgow.
With bagpipes leading the way, children dressed in Halloween attire made their way from the Glasgow Pub along the Riverfront and back along Provost Street.
The parade has been an annual tradition for 25 years now with activities always being hosted at the Glasgow Pub.
"I've done it for years," said Cassandra Rockey. "Ever since I was little I dressed up and came here."
This year she had her own kids in tow dressed as Raggedy Ann dolls.
Lori Manos was there with her three-year-old son Ben. She participates in memory of her friend's child Dylan MacEachern who passed away when he was four.
"His mom has been gathering people together as a team each year," she said.
Each team raises money to give to the Wishmakers so they can make seriously ill children's wishes come true.
"I figure today we'll do about $18,000," said Carol Stewart, co-ordinator with the Pictou County Subchapter of the Wishmakers. "Above that would be great."
Over the years, the Wishmakers have been able to help more than 30 children in Pictou County realize their dreams.
Although turnout was fairly good, Stewart said participation has actually gone done over the years.
"It's actually getting a little smaller as time goes by," she said. "There's a lot of other clubs and parades that we didn't have to compete with 25 years ago."
Still the smaller amount of participants were all enthusiastic about the opportunity to participate in parade and make wishes come true.

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