Cortland County Halloween Parade. (Kaitlyn Hession/Cortland Voice).
On the night of October 24th, the Main St. we all know and love turned into a trick or treaters paradise as the street was closed off for the annual Cortland County Halloween Parade hosted by the Cortland Elks Lodge 748.
This year the theme was “Nightmare on Main St.”, a play on of two classic Halloween movies: Nightmare on Elm Street and The Nightmare before Christmas. Children of all ages had a chance to trick or treat at different stores along the main strip of the city while they wore their favorite costumes.
Some costumes ranged from Superheroes and Disney characters, to more unique costumes like a Baby Pennywise the Clown, a Homemade EZ Mac costume, and a Mouse in a Mouse Trap. Even the dog from Chow Taxi dressed up for the occasion and helped the company give out candy!
Another costume that really stood out was a Spongebob Squarepants “Under the Sea” theme that was made by the Magic Wheelchair Organization. The street was also decorated with signs that displayed some characters from the Nightmare Before Christmas that were made by Cheerful and Creative.
Kids were also invited to enter their costumes into a contest where they were judged as they walked in the parade with their respective age groups. During the parade, those who participated in the contest raised their numbered paddles so judges can see them and their costumes. Those who judged the contest included Barry Primary Principal Lisa Kaup, Mark Helms of the Cortland Sheriff’s Office, Mike Catalano from the Cortland Police Department, Homer Police Department’s Bob Pittman, and Jesse Abbott of the Cortland Police Department.
During the judging process, the costumes were chosen in each age group by the most original, the one that matches the theme of the parade, and the best overall costumes. The age groups that participated in the contest included Newborn to Kindergarten, 1st grade to 3rd, 4th grade to 6th, 7th grade to High School, and Families.
Cortland County Halloween Parade. (Kaitlyn Hession/Cortland Voice).
At the end of the night, everyone gathered at the Cortland Repertory Theatre to see who the winners will be. As participants waited anxiously for the results, the Studio Z dance team entertained guests as they danced to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”. Winners from each category were called up to the stage to be ranked and be awarded their prize.
This traditional parade has always been a part of Cortland. From being part of the parade in the past to having a chance to be in it after the Elks Lodge 748 revived it 6 years ago after a 20-year hiatus, everyone of all ages enjoys the celebration every year and can’t wait until next year!
Here is a photo gallery of last night's event (All photos provided by (Kaitlyn Hession/Cortland Voice):
