TOMS RIVER, N.J. — High school students in Toms River added a festive touch to downtown storefronts ahead of the town’s 85th annual Halloween parade, set to begin Thursday at 7 p.m. Organized by Toms River Fire Company No. 1, the Halloween parade is a long-standing community event, drawing thousands of spectators each year.
In preparation for the celebration, students from Toms River High School spent hours painting Halloween-themed murals on shop windows along Washington Street. The artwork features traditional spooky imagery, including ghosts, pumpkins, and skeletons, bringing seasonal spirit to the town’s main thoroughfare.
“Our students were excited to contribute to such a beloved local tradition,” said the Toms River Mayor Dan Rodrick.
The parade, one of the largest Halloween parades in the country, is expected to showcase elaborate floats, costumed marchers, and local organizations. Attendees can view the student-painted murals before the procession begins and along the parade route.
Washington Street will be temporarily closed to traffic during the parade, and town officials advise residents to plan accordingly for parking and road closures.