Winner of the “Best of Westchester: Best Parade” award by Westchester Magazine for eight consecutive years, the Tarrytown Halloween Parade is gearing up for its 23rd year under the guidance of the Tarrytown Recreation Department. Tarrytown residents and visitors alike will converge on Broadway and Main Street on Saturday, Oct. 25 for an evening of spooky costumes, creative floats, live music and Halloween fun. Led by the iconic Headless Horseman and this year’s grand marshal, Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley (whose float will feature local Wish Kids,) the parade begins at 5 p.m. at Patriots Park and proceeds along Broadway and down Main Street. For safety reasons, spectators will not be permitted inside the park.
The event has grown significantly over time, with preparations involving the Recreation Department, Police Department, Department of Public Works, Village Administrator’s office, and Halloween Parade Committee beginning as early as February. The village is expecting this year’s crowd to top 15,000 spectators. Due to the influx of visitors and to ease congestion, attendees are encouraged to take Metro-North’s Hudson Line to the Tarrytown train station where a free shuttle service to the parade route will be offered.
Residents and community groups are invited to take part by registering floats at www.tarrytownhalloweenparade.com. Prizes will be awarded in several categories, including Best Float, Best Neighborhood Float, Best Adult Costume, Best Child Costume, Best Pet Costume and Best Group Costume.
Immediately following the parade, Main Street between Kaldenberg Place and Baylis Court will transform into a festive block party featuring DJ Chris Vernia performing on the South Washington Lot Stage and Andrea & the Armenian Rug Riders performing on the Main Street Stage. Local restaurants along Main Street including Cube Inn, The Mint, Pik Nik BBQ, Angelica’s, Taqueria La Perla Poblanita, and Main Street Pizza will be open for business, with additional dining options available on Main Street and Broadway.
Additional entertainment in the South Washington Lot will include food trucks, a beer truck hosted by Set Back Inn and a showcase of two vehicles featuring tailgate cooking features by automaker Rivian.
Community members are encouraged to come in costume and take part in what has become one of the Hudson Valley’s most anticipated Fall traditions.
The parade’s sponsors are: Phelps Hospital Northwell Health, DeCicco & Sons, Rivian, Sun River Health, Open Door Care Network, Chestnut Market, Kendal on Hudson, Corcoran Legends Realty, White Oak Bridal, Set Back Inn, Allan M. Block Insurance Agency, Tarrytown Honda, Snap Fitness, The Bucci Real Estate Team, SunBlue Energy, Royal Properties and ENT & Allergy Associates.
All photos by Margaret Fox.
