NYPD gearing up for 50th annual Village Halloween Parade
NEW YORK -- Halloween is here, and that means security measures and street closures around New York City.
The NYPD put out barricades Monday in Greenwich Village to prepare for the tens of thousands expected to gather for the 50th annual Village Halloween Parade.
"A lot of uniforms that you're gonna see out here and a lot of police officers you're not gonna see. We have our Intelligence Bureau, Counter Terrorism, our federal partners. We all come together," NYPD Manhattan South Assistant Chief James McCarthy said.
The parade steps off at 7 p.m. on Sixth Avenue, and stretches from Spring Street to West 16th Street. Streets will be closed to make way for the puppets, bands, and countless creative costumes.
You can expect more street closures for Trick or Streets, which is back for its second season.
CBS New York saw one of 107 car-free spots participating in the program. At seven of them, trick-or-treaters can grab more than candy, thanks to the Horticultural Society of New York.
"Pumpkins and gourds. We'll have 1,500 to give away in neighborhoods throughout the city," said Liza Ehrlich, COO of The Horticultural Society of New York.
Mayor Eric Adams said the Trick or Streets program provides an "experience that is not only spooky, but also fun and safe."
Watch Jenna DeAngelis' report
Halloween is a highlight of the year for the young and young at heart. Sadly though, it is also the most deadly night of the year for young pedestrians.
CBS New York spoke with AAA on Monday for tips to keep all trick-or-treaters safe.
"Oct. 31 is the deadliest day for young pedestrians age 17 and younger," said Robert Sinclair Jr., senior manager of public affairs for AAA Northeast.
That's why safety should be at top priority for everyone on Halloween, Sinclair said. He shared that between 2007 and 2021, 49 young pedestrians were killed in the U.S.
"Nearly double any other day in the year," he said. "It's the second-deadliest day for all pedestrians."
READ MORE: Halloween 2023: Your guide to celebrating safely around NYC
Goblins, ghouls and skeletons stand poised to greet the masses on Tuesday night.
"It is pretty creepy," said Gustavo Flores of Inwood.
Not creepy enough, though, to keep Flores and his kids away from Halloween on Dyckman Street on Tuesday.
"They block the streets, so no cars around. It's going to be very safe for them, too," Flores said.
Little Diana Flores, who is all of 6 years old, said she plans to dress up as a witch on Tuesday.
Watch Vanessa Murdock's report
Sinclair urges drivers to slow down, to avoid taking residential shortcuts, and to look between parked cars for kiddos waiting to cross.
"Parents need to be accompanying their youngsters when they are out trick-or-treating, usually recommended up to age 12," said said.
That's exactly what Keila Rodriguez plans to do. Her little dragon will fly right alongside her.
"We dress up, take the kids out. They only go out with us,' said Rodriguez, of Parkchester.
Gabriel, who is 5, said his favorite part of Halloween is the candy, while 10-year-old Eli said he plans to dress up as an inflatable chicken.
READ MORE: Long Island officials urge parents to check kids' Halloween candy for edible cannabis
If the inflatable chicken falls flat, he has a backup plan to go as a creepy clown. And, for safety's sake, he plans to go door to door with an adult close by.
Sinclair offered the following additional tips to keep kids safe on Tuesday: Carry a flashlight or add reflective tape to their costume and remember masks can block visibility and long costumes can be a tripping hazard.
For more information on the West Village parade, click here, and to find out more about the Trick or Streets program, please click here.
