TOMS RIVER, N.J. – Crowds are expected to pack downtown Toms River Friday night as the township hosts what’s recognized as the second largest Halloween parade in the world.
The Toms River Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 confirmed preparations are complete for the annual event, which draws tens of thousands of spectators each year.
Trick-or-treating in Toms River has been rescheduled from Thursday night to Saturday to accommodate the weather forecast and the parade.
Key Points
- The parade begins at 7 p.m. Friday, stepping off from Highland Parkway and Main Street.
- Registration for participants runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Robbins Street firehouse.
- Main Street and nearby roads will close at 5 p.m. ahead of the event.
Roads close early for parade setup
Main Street and surrounding streets will shut down at 5 p.m. to allow parade setup and staging. The procession will travel down Main Street, turn left onto Washington Street, and conclude at Hooper Avenue.
The fire company is asking residents and visitors not to set up chairs or viewing spots before Friday morning due to potential safety issues caused by wind. Once chairs are placed, spectators are urged to secure them properly.
Massive turnout expected
Organizers said this year’s parade features 11 walking divisions and 14 motorized divisions, ranging from floats and bands to costumed marchers. Firefighters will be on hand during registration to help participants select their appropriate divisions.
Assistant Chief Carl Weingroff, who chairs the Halloween Parade Committee, invited all media outlets to visit the firehouse throughout the day for interviews and coverage. Copies of the winners by division will be available after the parade, and the list can also be emailed upon request.
Longtime community tradition
The Toms River Halloween Parade, organized by the fire company since 1919, has grown into a defining community event, recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the second largest of its kind worldwide.
More information and updates are available on the Toms River Fire Company No. 1’s Facebook page at facebook.com/trfchalloweenparade or by emailing cweingroff@trfire.org.