Since 1947, the Medford-Vincentown Rotary Club has been bringing Halloween cheer to Main Street, and there’s no slowing down for them.
The annual Medford Halloween Parade is scheduled for Oct. 26 starting at 7 p.m. and ending around 9 p.m. on Main Street. The street will be closed to all traffic starting around 6 p.m. and all parked vehicles will need to be moved by then. Kids are invited to come dressed in costumes and bring bags or buckets to receive candy while they watch the parade.
In the event of rain, the parade will be moved to Oct. 27. It is recommended to park at either Medford Memorial School (55 Mill St.), St. Mary’s (196 Rt. 70) or Medford Ford (186 Rt. 70) and the adjoining Medford Center shopping complex to avoid being blocked in on side streets and losing spots in the township’s public lots.
The parade begins its trek at St. Mary’s of the Lakes on Firehouse Lane, and continues onto Main Street. The parade then proceeds to Medford Memorial School, where it ends.
David Stow, Rotary member and parade band chairman, said the parade started 72 years ago following the end of World War II as the country was in a patriotic mood. He added it was also a way to deter potential crimes from occurring on Mischief and Halloween nights.
All walkers in the parade are given a token of appreciation for participating and are part of a costume contest. Costumes are judged based on age groups and categories. Parade floats are judged in the same fashion.
“We want you to have a Halloween-appropriate float,” Stow said. “We don’t allow a commercial company or whatever to advertise in the parade. It’s for the kids. It can be scary, ugly and a lot of things, but it can’t be an advertisement.”
Float riders are not allowed to throw any candy or goodies to spectators for safety reasons, he added. Those riding the floats must get off and hand them out.
The parade’s grand marshals are Tammy Clark, Rotary president, and Mike Robey, Medford Citizen of the Year.
In a parade of roughly 10 marching bands, 40 floats and hundreds of individual marchers, Stow said the crowds along Main Street are just as entertaining as those in the parade, as there’s 30,000 people watching – some in costumes – ready to be amazed at the next creation that marches down the street.
For the best sights, and possibly sounds, of the parade, Stow suggests watching closer to Haines Sixth Grade Center, as the crowd is lighter and people can hear people describe their costumes or floats.
“Avoid Firehouse Lane and the first third of the parade because people get the idea that you’re going to run out of candy past Union Street,” he added. “You get further down Main Street toward the creek, the crowd is lighter and it’s easier to sit there and see the sights of the parade itself.”
Stow added there are some vendors selling food and beverages along Main Street for those interested, but people are welcome to bring thermoses or coolers of hot chocolate, coffee or water. No alcoholic beverages are permitted.
As excitement continues to build up for the parade and the night’s festivities, Stow said it’s warming to him to see the social gathering and how the police department has little to no problems from people.
“My favorite part is watching the kids,” he added, “seeing them so excited about having a good time when you’re riding down Main Street and see their faces.”
To register a float or to participate in the parade, visit MedfordHalloweenParade.com.
