Dress in your most macabre costume and head over to Greenwich Village on Halloween night for the 48th annual Village Halloween Parade.
After New York’s most iconic Halloween event was canceled last year due to COVID-19 concerns, the parade organizers have announced that it will be back for 2021!
Though they got all the necessary permits from the city, they noted earlier this year on their website that since they received permission so late, they didn’t have enough funds to make it happen. They asked New Yorkers to embrace their generosity to help bring this legendary event back to the Greenwich Village streets. They shared:
For 48 years we have put on a FREE parade for the people of New York City! But a production of this size has a huge budget and we are severely short this year due to having to cancel the parade last year. NOW we are asking for your help to bring this great parade back to to the streets in 2021. We need to raise $150,000 by October 5th in order to hold this event. These are challenging times, but we believe in the power of the people! That’s YOU, people!
And thanks to one very gracious donor by the name of Jason Feldman, the parade officially has enough funds to happen, reported New York Daily.
As of September 21st, the parade had only raised about $7,000, but Feldman “couldn’t stand the thought of New York City going another year without one of his favorite events,” so he generously donated the $150,000 himself.
Though there doesn’t appear to be a set theme, face masks are highly encouraged (and at times required) for safety, so they’ve asked attendees to get extra creative — it is Halloween after all! They’re requiring Parade participants to wear their mask in the line up area before the Parade begins, but once participants enter the Parade route north of Spring St., masks are encouraged, but not required.
And of course, everyone participating must wear a costume, so be sure to have yours ready! Those joining the parade can do so by arriving at the entrance point ready to go in full costume. The parade entrance will be on Sixth Avenue and Canal Street and will continue north on Sixth Avenue until 16th Street.
The parade will begin at 7 p.m. and usually lasts until about 10:30 p.m., but if you want to take part in the parade it’s suggested you arrive between 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Changes in subway stops during the parade hours should be announced shortly.
The parade usually attracts 60,000 participants, 2 million in-person spectators, and 2 million TV viewers (it will be broadcast live on NY1).
Note: Parade organizers have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to alcohol, so don’t show up drunk if you want to take part in the festivities!
See also: 70 Things To Do This Autumn In NYC For Our Ultimate Fall Bucket List
Also published on Medium.