The North Massapequa Fire Department (NMFD), in conjunction with participating local merchants and organizations, will be hosting its 34th Annual Children's Rag-A-Muffin Costume Parade Sun., Oct. 26. The parade will start at noon, and there will be no rain date. All children who participate must be registered so they will be eligible for free prizes. The Department will also be hosting its annual Fire Prevention Open House, Fri., Oct. 10, 7 to 9 p.m..

"The Rag-A-Muffin Parade is always special," explained NMFD Chief Sean K. Abrams. "It is our 34th anniversary of hosting this outstanding event, which has brought tremendous joy to our community's families, and especially our young people. Our department is extremely proud of this event and I know our residents are looking forward to many more years of the Rag-A-Muffin parade."

The event is always held near Halloween, which provides some extra atmosphere to an event already charged with excitement. "It's a great day for the children," Chief Abrams said. "Kids can try on their costumes before Halloween to make sure they're ready for trick-or-treating. After the costume parade they're sure to be excited with the prospect of winning a bicycle or another great prize at the award ceremony."

Registration will be held Sun., Sept. 28 at the Fire Department Booth at Italian Feast and on Fri., Oct. 10, 7 to 9 p.m. during Fire Prevention Open House at Fire Department Headquarters. Late registration will take place Sun., Oct. 26, 11 a.m. at the start of the parade, North Nassau Avenue and North Broadway. Registration can also be done online at www.NMFD- 660.com.

Chief Abrams also reminds residents to bring their families to the Department's Annual Fire Prevention Open House, Fri., Oct 10, 7 to 9 p.m. "Our fire prevention program is outstanding and will include live demonstrations, hands on training, blood pressure checks and free goodies for both children and adults. Fire Prevention posters prepared by local school children will also be on display," explained Chief Abrams. "Most importantly, residents will learn how to keep their families safe."