Toms River Halloween Parade 2023: 2nd Largest Halloween Bash

The Toms River Halloween Parade, a cherished tradition hosted by the esteemed Toms River Fire Company No. 1, is once again upon us, marking the approach of Halloween with a spectacular display of creativity and community spirit that has graced the streets for decades.

Mark your calendars for the 84th annual Halloween parade, set to take place on Tuesday, October 31, 2023. This enduring tradition, closely tied to Halloween, is complemented by trick-or-treating slated for October 30, the night before Halloween, ensuring everyone can partake in both celebrations. Additionally, South Toms River, Pine Beach, and Beachwood are also planning trick-or-treating on October 30.

According to TomRiver.org, what began as a humble local municipal Halloween event in 1937 has evolved into the world's second-largest Halloween parade, recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records.

Overcoming challenges that threatened its continuity, the parade has endured throughout the years, facing termination only three times in its storied history. The first instance dates back to the 1920s during the Great Depression, the second due to the destructive Superstorm Sandy, and the most recent disruption caused by the far-reaching impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As reported by Patch.com, Mayor Maurice B. Hill stressed, "This was a joint decision made by the township, Toms River Fire Companies, and the Toms River Police Department" while formally announcing the trick-or-treating date. He emphasized, "We want children to come to the parade with their families on Halloween and still enjoy the time-honored tradition of trick-or-treating."

The Halloween parade starts at 7 p.m. at Highland Parkway and Main Street, proceeding south on Main Street to Washington Street before turning onto Washington Street.