KEARNY–
The town’s annual Halloween Parade arrives early this season … or rather, on time, depending on how you look at it.
For years, the parade – featuring the kids and adults in costume – has been held on a Sunday but because the holiday falls on a Saturday this year, the Kearny Recreation Commission opted to hold it on Oct. 31, beginning at 5 p.m.
But after members of the Town Council felt that the time should be adjusted to begin earlier so there would still be light when the parade was over for safety sake, the Rec Commission agreed and moved back the starting time one hour to 4 p.m., according to town Recreation Director Ralph Cataffi.
It was during the ‘80s when the town switched the date of the holiday parade to Sunday in the aftermath of some children being pelted with eggs one Saturday evening.
This time around, Cataffi told The Observer, “we didn’t feel that something like that would transpire again this year.”
Cataffi said the location for judging of the children’s Halloween costumes will be shifted to the Kearny Ave. entrance to West Hudson Park to allow for easier logistics. Prizes will be awarded for different categories. People are encouraged to register by Oct. 24.
Last year about 55 kids and a handful of grown-ups participated in the parade, he said.
Registration forms are being distributed to the various grammar schools around town this week for parents to sign, Cataffi said.
The Kearny High School Marching Band has signed on to perform in the parade, he said. “We’re still waiting to hear from Harrison on their band.”
Parade viewers can expect to see floats representing the Kearny Generals Football Team, the Recreation Commission and the Kearny Public Library, Cataffi said. “We’re also reaching out to other groups.”
The line of march will assemble at Kearny Ave. and Dukes St. and will proceed north to the reviewing stand in front of Kearny Town Hall near Quincy Ave.
– Ron Leir
