New York City gearing up for Village Halloween Parade
NEW YORK -- One of the biggest Halloween attractions in the city returns on Monday night.
Barricades were being put out Sunday, ahead of the Village Parade.
Thousands are expected to attend, CBS2's Kevin Rincon reported.
There's something special about Halloween in the city.
"The city comes out to play, and when people play together, they forget their differences. Play is our healing and I think that we should play more together," French tourist Annalie Killian said.
The elaborate displays remind adults of what it's like to be a kid, and for the children it's a chance to be something else.
Watch: CBS2 goes behind the scenes with Brass Queens
On West 69th Street, decorating homes for the holiday has been a long-standing tradition.
"It's nice to have an audience," said Jim Sperber of the Upper West Side.
Sperber is an artist. His windows and front yard are like a canvas.
"The kids like it. We try and make it somewhat funny, a little bit scary, but kind of keep it on the light side as well," Sperber said.
His audience includes neighbors, like Patty Lakin, whose kids are now over 40, but remembers bringing them here for the same experience.
"It's really terrific. It's really wonderful to see it happening all over again. After COVID, people are back out and decorating," Lakin said.
For Juan Parra and his family in Deer Park on Long Island, the block is part of the Halloween experience in the city.
"It's actually good to see everything compacted on one block like this, and everyone getting creative," he said. "It's mind blowing. It's pretty cool."
One of the most popular events on Halloween is the Village Parade, which attracts thousands. On the eve of the 49th annual parade, the route has been prepped with barricades, and street closure signs.
Basil Twist, a well-known puppeteer, is an organizer.
"This year, the theme in the parade is freedom, which is the freedom to go outside and do express yourself with your fellow New Yorkers in a huge, fun, beautiful way," Twist said.
He says the creativity is uniquely New York.
"The best way to do the parade, I think, is to be in the parade, actually. The parade is open to everybody," Twist said.
And for the first time ever, the parade will be led by all women, as the Brass Queens, an eight-piece brass band from Brooklyn, take their place on the grand marshal's float.
Anyone wanting to join in can line up along Canal at Sixth Avenue, with the parade set to start at 7 p.m. on Monday.
New York City is hosting the following Halloween events:
Dumbo Arch Way
Pearl Street between Water Street and Anchorage Place, Brooklyn
- 4:00 pm - Annual March to the Arch - parade through Dumbo & Brooklyn Bridge Park, led by brass bands & puppets! (Start Washington at Water Streets).
- 4:30 pm -7:00 pm - Dumboween Party. Live music. Arts & crafts. Fa-boo-lous photo booth. Costume contest for humans and pets. And of course, candy. Plus pick up a map of trick or treating in the neighborhood.
12th Street Plaza
12th Street Between 44th Avenue and 43rd Road, Queens
- 4:00pm – 6:00pm Families! Trick or treat your way around the 12th Street Plaza with arts & crafts, candy and lots of fun!
Myrtle Avenue Plaza
Myrtle Avenue from Grand Avenue to Emerson Place, Brooklyn
- 4:00pm – 6:00pm Myrtle Avenue Monster Mash The annual Halloween dance party on Myrtle Avenue is back with games, treats, a DJ, dancing and a special Thriller Dance off.
Quisqueya Plaza
Dyckman Street between Broadway and Seaman Avenue
- 3:00pm – Halloween Parade Spooktacular
- 3:00pm – 8:00pm – Quisqueya Plaza's First Halloween Party! Join in the fun with games, food, beverage, and prizes for the best costume!
