Throggs Neck Halloween Parade and fest fun for all families on Saturday, Oct. 25

Throggs Neck Halloween Parade and fest fun for all families on Saturday, Oct. 25
File Photo

Everyone is hoping for great weather for the upcoming Throggs Neck spook-tacular children’s Halloween parade and festival!

The 31st annual Throggs Neck Halloween Parade, hosted by Assemblyman Michael Benedetto along with all of the community’s other elected officials, steps off at noon on Saturday, October 25 at Throgs Neck Boulevard between Harding and Schurz avenues.

The parade will form next to the Throgs Neck Little League field around 11:30 a.m.. with the children wearing costumes. It works its way up to E. Tremont Avenue, then over to the Cross Bronx Expressway service road, and back to the fields for a kid-friendly street festival right across from St. Frances de Chantal School.

The activities following the parade will include games, rides, face-painters, a magician, a DJ and music that will engage the children in activities, giveaways, and prizes for best costume for youngsters in various age groups.

Assemblyman Benedetto takes special delight in taking the lead in coordinating the parade and party every year, along with the parade committee. It is a tradition begun by former Assemblyman John Dearie three decades ago.

“On so many different levels, I love this event,” said Benedetto, who was a school teacher for decades before being elected to the assembly. “Yes, as a teacher and in my natural affinity towards children and dealing with children. But also as a community event. This is an event that has a tradition and is just one of the many things that is woven into the Throggs Neck community’s fabric.”

He said that the parade committee shows great dedication and devotion in planning this event, and that this brings him a great deal of happiness.

“I think the children are just enamored with all the rides and activities, and also the merriment and the joy,” said the assemblyman. “That’s what Halloween means when you are a child, and I want them to take away great memories of their childhood, so that looking back when they are adults they will want to do this with their children.”

Benedetto added: “For the parents, a good, safe, healthy fun activity for their kids is always welcome: especially when the children do it in their own backyard, within a safe and healthy atmosphere.”

The event is fun for the whole family, he said, adding that when the event was handed down to his administration after first being elected, he took the initiative to expand it by forming a partnership with Congressman Joseph Crowley, Senator Jeff Klein, and Councilman Jimmy Vacca.

“The Throggs Neck Halloween Parade and Party is a fantastic and festive occasion every year for thousands of residents,” said Klein. “I encourage everyone to come out and make this year’s event even bigger and better.”

Reach Reporter Patrick Rocchio at (718) 742–3393. E-mail him at procc‌hio@c‌ngloc‌al.com. Follow him on Twitter @patrickfrocchio.