The Halloween Parade on Main Street in 2017 (Photo: Cortland Voice)
CORTLAND, NY – The annual Cortland County Halloween Parade and Downtown Trick or Treating returns this year to Main Street. On Thursday, October 25, Cortland County children under 18 years of age and families are invited to participate in the parade and trick or treating hour which precedes the parade at 5:00pm. There’s a special costume contest category, Best in Theme, for those who dress in the parade’s Time Travel theme as their favorite time traveling pop culture character or as a historical figure. Other contest categories include Cutest (for younger participants), Scariest, and Most Original.
Parade lineup begins at 6:00pm at the beginning of one-way Main Street, with parade start at 6:15pm, landing at the Cortland Repertory Theatre for costume contest awards. Those wishing to participate in the costume contest are encouraged to pre-register online and check-in at the Cortland Elks Lodge before 6:00pm in time for the start of the parade to receive their numbered contest paddles. Cortland Repertory Theatre Downtown receives parading children in the costume contest where emcee and theatre program director Kris Behnke will announce costume winners.
The planners of the parade are happy to announce this year’s esteemed costume contest judges and history buffs: Luke Biondi, Megan Eves, and Mindy Riha.
Thursday's parade will be escorted by “glow riders”- bicyclists involved with the SUNY Cortland Bike Project. The group will light the way with glowing bikes and special bike floats that competed in a contest for best bike earlier in the day on campus.
Costume Contest registration forms are now available online with links on the event’s Facebook page: Cortland Halloween Parade, and by email to [email protected]. Day-of registration and check-in for the event will take place between 5:00pm – 6:00pm at the Cortland Elks.
Call 607.299.4682 or email [email protected] with questions, donations, volunteer opportunities, and for parade registration forms. Visit Cortland Halloween Parade on Facebook for updates.
