The Toms River Halloween Parade (Credit: Townsquare Media/105.7 The Hawk)
Toms River will host its traditional Halloween Parade on Oct. 31, meaning trick-or-treating will go on a day earlier, township officials said.
Due to the popularity of the parade, Toms River normally sets an agreed-upon day for trick-or-treating rather than Halloween itself. The 83rd annual Toms River Fire Co. No. 1 Halloween parade is Monday, Oct. 31, 2022. Trick-or-treating will occur on Sunday, Oct. 30.
“This was a joint decision made by the Township, Toms River fire companies and the Toms River Police Department,” said Mayor Maurice “Mo” Hill. “We want children to come to the parade with their families on Halloween but still enjoy the time-honored tradition of trick-or-treating.”
The parade steps off at 7 p.m. at Highland Parkway and Main Street, continuing south on Route 166 and turning onto Washington Street. This year, the grand marshals are front line health care workers. Registration takes place on the day of the parade only at the Henry Runco Firehouse on Robbins Street, between Washington and Water streets.
“On Oct. 30, motorists should be aware and drive with extra caution” due to trick-or-treating, Police Chief Mitch Little said. “Be on the alert for excited youngsters, whose vision may be obstructed by masks, darting out into traffic. We also advise parents to accompany young children, 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.”
While there is no official curfew in Toms River, Little said that all trick-or-treaters will be asked to be off township streets by 9 p.m.
“Our utmost concern is for the safety and well-being of our residents and the children enjoying the holiday,” Little said. “The Toms River Police Department wishes you a safe and Happy Halloween.”
