Palmyra is welcoming back its annual Halloween parade with the help of parade committee members, volunteers, local businesses and the community.
A tradition that started many decades ago, the parade includes a display that runs down Broad Street. In 2020, the event was a huge success, despite challenges from COVID, and could not be stopped, only modified.
“Last year, COVID kept us from having our traditional parade and we certainly didn’t want to ask our local businesses for support in such a trying time,” said Mindie Weiner, Halloween parade committee member. “But the committee was determined to keep the tradition alive. With the help of the Palmyra police and fire departments, we were able to send a parade through the streets of Palmyra.”
For last year’s event, the committee hired the local fire performers 7 Textures of Philadelphia to ride a flatbed truck and perform for the community. It was a successful tradition kept alive, but in a safe manner.
Besides the parade, the committee held a scarecrow-building contest, with the most creative and original designs winning awards. There was also a Palmyra Halloween bug and critter count contest, where participants were given a list of local stores and had to count the bugs in their window displays.
Other events included pumpkin- and house-decorating contests, a craft sale and a 5K run. Looking ahead to this year’s festivities, the Palmyra Halloween committee is keeping its options open so it can comply with as many health and safety guidelines as possible. With the help of the Palmyra Improvement Association, the committee is working on hosting an annual Trunk or Treat event again this year.
“One way or another, there will be a Halloween parade-type celebration in town,” Weiner said. The Palmyra Halloween committee is a small group of volunteers and is always looking for extra help. To volunteer, email palmyrahalloween@gmail.com.
