Some people need just a little more time to prepare for this year's Halloween Parade.

So the YMCA York has extended the parade entry deadline from Monday, Sept. 24, to Monday, Oct. 1.

"Some people would like additional time to decide what they're going to do for the parade and how many participants they will have in their groups." said Katie Mahoney, the YW's special events and communications coordinator. "Extending (the deadline) a week doesn't hurt the planning process,"

The extended deadline also will give companies and organizations more time to join the parade, said Jennifer Brillhart, chief development officer of YWCA York.

The date: The 63rd annual Halloween Parade is set for 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28, in York City. The YW recently announced this will be the last year it serves as host of the parade.

"We really want this one to be as big as possible," Mahoney said. "We would like to see at least 100 entries. We're well on our way to 100."

Last year, there were 107 entries for the parade, which was canceled because of snow, she said.

There were 200 entries in previous years, according to Mahoney.

This year, the parade entries will travel a route along Market Street from the York Fairgrounds to Lehman Street. The event's theme is "Health and Fitness."

"We encourage entries to meet the theme, but it's not required," Mahoney said.

Grand marshal: This year's parade grand marshal is local exercise enthusiast Sue Schmidt, who ran in the 100th Boston Marathon in 1997. She also is a former YWCA board president who has been involved

with the organization for more than 30 years.

Schmidt helped start the organization's Girls on the Run program designed to help pre-teen girls boost their confidence through running activities.

The YW also will hold the Pumpkin Fun Run, a one-mile run along the parade route, at 1:45 p.m. on parade day. Registrations are now being accepted for the run.

Registration: The YWCA York's Halloween Parade is at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28, in York City. The parade entry deadline is Monday, Oct. 1.

The Pumpkin Fun Run will be held at 1:45 p.m. on parade day.

Forms to enter the parade or register for the run are available online at the YWCA's website at www.ywcayork.org. To volunteer or for information about entering the parade, call the YWCA at 845-2631.