MAPLE SHADE -- Children dressed as monsters, witches and superheroes will march down Main Street in Maple Shade this Halloween thanks to a donation by two state legislators.

Assemblymen Herb Conaway Jr. and Jack Conners, both D-Burlington, have pledged $1,000 to close the funding gap for the town's nearly 40-year-old Halloween parade.

The 7th District representatives, which includes Maple Shade, said they decided to make the move after reading of the threatened parade in a Tuesday Courier-Post article.

"We know that the Maple Shade Halloween Parade is an institution in that town, and that many local children and their families look forward to it every year," Conners said. "We are happy to help this tradition continue."

"Understanding the hard work local volunteers put into these events, we felt it important to contribute to the effort," Conaway said.

The assemblymen, incumbent running mates up for election in November, plan to present the check to Maple Shade at Thursday night's council meeting.

Maple Shade Mayor Jim Fletcher and town manager George Haeuber said the fate of the parade was to be decided that evening.

Fletcher and Haeuber said the gift shows the assemblymen have a great appreciation of Maple Shade.

"I was extremely surprised and happy," Fletcher said, noting he's friends with both men. "Their generosity knows no bounds."