This weekend, children will get dressed up in their costumes for the start of a new Halloween tradition in Greenwood.
Local organizations, schools, civic groups and other participants in spooky or autumn-themed floats will pass through the downtown area. They’ll gently throw candy to waiting kids and their parents while music plays and people cheer.
Greenwood officials have planned a Halloween parade for 5 p.m. Saturday throughout the downtown part of the city. The event replaces the annual Monster Mash celebration, which was canceled as a safety precaution against the spread of COVID-19.
Organizers are excited to offer something new to families and residents looking to share their Halloween spirit. People seem to be enthusiastic as well, with numerous groups signing up for floats in the parade.
“We’ve had great reception from community members and organizations that want to participate,” said Erin Swisher, youth programming and activities coordinator for Greenwood Parks and Recreation. “We think it can be a good thing, even that we could add on to the Monster Mash next year.”
Earlier this fall, as it became clear that large community gatherings in a single location such as Monster Mash wouldn’t be possible during the pandemic, parks department officials met to discuss programming they could put on safely.
“We wanted something that would still involve the community and allow the kids to come dressed in their costumes,” Swisher said. “We hadn’t seen at that point if Greenwood was going to hold trick-or-treating or not, so we were looking for something they could enjoy and be in their costumes, too.”
A parade seemed like a perfect option. People could spread out along the approximately 1.2-mile parade route, which starts on South Washington Street at Craig Park, goes west on Main Street and then south on Madison Avenue before winding around Surina Way.
Safety precautions have been put in place, though. Parade participants are allowed to gently throw candy to spectators standing along the route, but cannot hand out treats to them. They have to wear masks, with no more than five people on a float or 20 people walking as a group.
“We’re still trying to follow all the guidelines that have been set,” Swisher said.
Still, being able to have any kind of event bringing the community together is a positive.
“Unfortunately, we weren’t able to do the Freedom Festival parade, which is always a big deal. We thought, if we couldn’t do a parade in June, maybe it’ll work now,” Swisher said. “It’s a positive thing for the parks to still be able to put on activities for the community and for the kids. We’re encouraging people to come out and still enjoy it.”
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”If you go” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
Halloween Parade
What: A community parade featuring Halloween or fall-themed floats from local organizations, clubs, businesses, schools and other groups.
When: 5 p.m. Saturday
Where: Downtown Greenwood. The parade will follow this route:
- Washington Street from Craig Park north to Main Street
- Main Street west to Madison Avenue
- Madison Avenue south to Surina Way
- Surina Way east to Craig Park
Information: greenwood.in.gov
[sc:pullout-text-end]
