Tomorrow: Boyertown Halloween Parade Marches into Town

by Lesley Misko

Boyertown’s historic Halloween Parade will kick off at 7:00 PM Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024. A local tradition since 1912, the parade will depart from the senior high school and conclude at Middle School West.

“This year’s parade will be bigger and better than ever before,” promises Adriane Zapien, chairperson of the Boyertown Halloween Parade Association. “There are about 2,000 participants, including over 95 groups, 225 vehicles, and many floats,” she shares, noting, “Boyertown Optimist Football alone will showcase 10-15 floats.” The Boyertown Alumni Marching Unit, the senior high marching unit, and the Middle School East and West marching units will bring their music and marching to the parade.

The 2024 parade will travel a different route than the one used in the past. The change was necessitated by road work resulting in some street closures in town. “Making certain we did all we could to have it be a safe parade, was an absolute priority,” Zapien emphasizes. In addition to the need to plan a new route, the parade has seen enormous growth in participation, and more participants bring more spectators, which also makes safety an absolute event requirement.

The parade will be led by “the Belsnickel.” Sometimes referred to as Santa’s grouchy cousin and often dressed in fur, he is part of German, Pennsylvania Dutch tradition. Also, the Historical Society has brought back the old name for the parade: “Der Gnome Karnerval.”

Knowing parade goers will be hungry, some food trucks will be on site, but Zapien encourages parade-goers to patronize local businesses that have endured economic challenges recently due to accessibility problems during the street closures.

Now in her second year as parade organizer, Zapien took on the job last year as a member of the Boyertown Area Historical Society, when the group agreed to try to save the parade. A variety of local civic groups had sponsored the event through the years, but as group membership decreased, they were unable to carry on and the parade faced cancellation. “As one of the nation's oldest ongoing Halloween parades, this tradition holds a special place in the hearts of our community. We are honored to continue its legacy,” says Rachael Kehler, Historical Society president.

Zapien praises the business community and emphasizes their work in making the parade a success and enabling it to grow. She enthusiastically thanks them: “They demonstrate what the Boyertown spirit is all about.”

“Businesses spend a significant amount of money on planning, building, and decorating the floats, and the candy they distribute is also costly. Many businesses signed on to be parade sponsors. They enable us to raise enough money to tackle the next year’s parade and bring in more entertainment,” Zapien concludes.

Kehler shares Zapien’s assessment. “The Boyertown Halloween Parade is more than just a parade; it's a testament to our community's spirit, creativity, and resilience. By taking over the reins, we aim to ensure that this beloved tradition continues to thrive and inspire future generations.”  

The parade rain date is Sunday, Oct. 20, 2:00 PM.

Halloween Parade Association members.

 The following information is provided by Eastern Berks Regional Police in an effort to help area residents, and those attending or participating in the parade, to avoid inconvenience and delays, and to help make the event safe for everyone. 

• Those not attending the parade are encouraged to avoid travelling through the area in order to avoid significant delays

• Individuals dropping off parade participants at staging areas are encouraged to arrive early, as some streets will be closed as much as 15 minutes prior to the parade start time 

• Vehicles which remain parked in violation of posted temporary parking restrictions will be towed at the vehicle owner’s expense

• The Borough of Boyertown prohibits the placement of chairs, blankets, benches, or similar articles of personal property in the public right-of-way more than 24 hours prior to the parade start time. Items placed out more than 24 hours in advance may be considered abandoned property, and subject to disposal. 

• Please use extreme caution driving and walking in the area, especially when arriving and leaving the parade, due to the high volume of both vehicle and pedestrian traffic at these times. Please be patient and expect delays. 

• Persons walking to and gathering along the parade route should remember that most streets remain open to vehicle traffic up until minutes prior to the parade. For your safety and the safety of your family, please do not gather in the streets or block intersections until the streets are closed and traffic is fully diverted. 

• The parade is intended as a family event. Local ordinance prohibits open containers of alcoholic beverages in the public spaces, and the PA Crimes Code prohibits public intoxication and disorderly conduct. 

• The parade is sponsored by the Boyertown Historical Society, and they control participation and all details related to the organization of the parade – Local ordinance prohibits interfering with the parade.

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