The Toms River Halloween Parade (Credit: Townsquare Media/105.7 The Hawk)
Toms River officials say township kids should observe Oct. 30 as the date for traditional trick-or-treating, one day before Halloween, so they can enjoy the Halloween Parade the next day.
Mayor Thomas F. Kelaher said to avoid a conflict with the Halloween Parade, Toms River will observe Halloween Oct. 30.
“This was a joint decision made by the township, Toms River Fire Companies and the Toms River Police Department,” he said. “We want children to come to the parade with their families but still enjoy the time-honored tradition of trick-or-treating.”
While there is no official curfew in Toms River, Police Chief Mitch Little says that all trick-or-treaters will be asked to be off township streets by 9 p.m. for safety reasons.
“On Oct. 30, motorists should be aware and drive with extra caution,” Little said. “We advise parents to accompany children or have kids trick-or-treat in groups, always carry a flashlight for safety, stay on sidewalks or as close to the curb as possible and only go to houses where the porch lights are on.”
Halloween Parade Scheduled
The 81st Annual Toms River Halloween Parade is presented by the Toms River Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1. It is the second largest in the world.
Chairs can be placed along the parade route the day of the event only. Main and Washington Streets will close at 5:30 p.m. the day of the parade.
The Parade forms at the Toms River Shopping Center on the corner of Route 37 and Route 166 (Main Street). The parade will travel down Main Street, turning left onto Washington Street, and ending at the corner of Washington Street and Hooper Avenue.
There is no registration fee; however, donations are welcomed.
There is no pre-registration; all participants must register in person at the firehouse at 26 Robbins Street in Toms River on Thursday, Oct. 31, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For additional parade information, contact Toms River Fire Company No. 1, www.trfc1.org/halloween.html.
