Your typical trip across the Tappan Zee probably involves a pit stop at New York’s second largest mall, the Palisades, but did you know that Rockland is home to another second largest in the state? Nyack’s famed Halloween Parade is ringing in its 30th year, and it’s far from your average small town community get-together.
Hosted by the Nyack Chamber of Commerce, crowds of over 25,000 spectators are expected to attend this year’s parade, making it the biggest event of its kind outside of New York City (second in state to Manhattan’s Village Halloween Parade). In fact, it’s so popular that the Travel Channel recently named it the 4th best Halloween parade in the nation.
This year’s celebration will take place on Saturday, October 28, with a rain date scheduled for Sunday, October 29. The most anticipated event of the day is, of course, the parade. But whether you go to sport or spot the season’s wackiest floats and costume wear (all are welcome to march in the parade), or witness some of the many thrilling appearances and performances, be sure to stick around for the post-parade award ceremony in the Main Street parking lot. Prizes totaling over $2,000 will be awarded to both children and adults for multiple costume categories, and float-decorators for their creative spirit.
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And though the parade will kick off at 5:30 pm in the heart of Nyack, a day full of frightening family-friendly festivities starts at 2 pm. New this year is the Trick-or-Treat Trail, where from 2-4 pm, costume-clad kids can collect treats at participating Main Street merchants. And if your costume could use an upcycled upgrade, head to Maria Louisa Boutique at 3:30 pm for a trash-to-treasure costume workshop and use materials like plastic, cardboard, foam, coffee-cup lids, plastic bottles and packaging materials to create a unique, eco-friendly costume.
And though live outdoor music and dancing will take place through the day, many of Nyack’s finest establishments (including the Nyack Center and Casa del Sol) will be hosting festive post-parade parties. So, don’t be afraid to let your guard down and your inner-ghoul out.
For all things spooktacular in the Valley, visit our Halloween Guide.
