Throggs Neck Halloween Parade Set

Throggs Neck Halloween Parade Set

The Throggs Neck Halloween Parade is almost here.

All that remains as far as preparations for the neighborhood’s scariest day is sewing a few costumes and getting a little bit more candy before the ghouls and goblins make their way down East Tremont Avenue. The parade, which takes place on Saturday, October 29, will follow its traditional route, beginning on Throggs Neck Boulevard and Harding Avenue at 11:30 a.m., then going up East Tremont Avenue to Sampson Avenue, to the Throgs Neck Expressway service road and back to the starting point.

The weather forecast calls for a clear day in the 50s.

The day’s events will also include a street party at Throgs Neck Boulevard and Harding that runs through the afternoon. Assemblyman Michael Benedetto is the event’s organizer. Congressman Joseph Crowley, Senator Jeff Klein and Councilman Jimmy Vacca are among the sponsors.

It will be the 28th annual Halloween Parade.

Benedetto’s chief-of-staff, Ben Randazzo, led a seven-person planning committee with representatives from each of sponsor’s offices.

“We’re working like dogs getting all this stuff together,” Randazzo said.

But once the parade begins, the hard work starts to pay off.

There will be two large bounce castles at the street party, an interactive model FDNY fire truck, plus a build-your-own teddy bear workshop. There will also be boardwalk-style shooting hoops games.

In case costumes aren’t disguises enough there will be face painting and pumpkin painting stands throughout the day.

A DJ will play beginning at noon. There will also be dance performances and live music from the Mother Cabrini Band.

People can also participate in raffles, with most prizes being gift certificates to neighborhood restaurants such as Crosstown Diner and Tosca’s.

For those who get hungry at the parade, there will be traditional street fair food, including sausage and peppers, zeppoles, and more.

As always, there will be best costume contests at the conclusion of the parade. Winners in each of the four age groups will receive cash prizes of up to $50 and a trophy.

And like the children of Throggs Neck, the parade’s sponsors are eagerly looking forward to the parade, even if its unlikely that they will be there in costume.

“The Throggs Neck Halloween Parade has been a staple of the community for decades,” Senator Klein said. “It provides a safe environment for both children and families to enjoy the day. I’m proud to once again co-sponsor of this event.”

Councilman Vacca expressed similar sentiments.

“A lot of kids and a lot of families look forward to this,” he said. “I think it’s one of the opportunities kids have to come out and get together in a safe manner.”