10-18-2025 4:19am

Annual Halloween Parade Will March Into Town Tonight!

Lesley Misko Editor

by Lesley Misko

Lions and tigers — and certainly bears — will march the streets as Boyertown’s community gathers for the 72nd Halloween Parade. The cherished tradition, hosted by the Boyertown Area Historical Society, steps off at 7:00 p.m. tonight, October 18, 2025, promising a night of costumes, bands, floats, and family fun.

Parade committee chair Adriane Zapien, now in her third year in the role, emphasizes that the organizing team worked to blend familiar favorites with fresh attractions this year while prioritizing safety for participants and spectators alike.

New Attractions and Old Favorites

“We’ve really tried to add more for both participants and spectators,” Zapien emphasizes.

While some things have returned to tradition, this year’s parade will feature new entertainment and attractions. Among the highlights: the steam-powered Getz Steam Calliope, a loud musical keyboard instrument that produces music by forcing steam or compressed air through a series of large metal whistles. The Calliope’s music reminds us of circuses and amusement parks, but when the music is in a minor or distorted key, it reminds us of haunted houses. Zapien predicts, “It will be one of the most exciting things in the parade.”

“They’ve been in parades in Pottstown and other places, so we’re really excited about that,” Zapien explains, noting that entertainment is an expensive addition to the parade, but she hopes to raise enough money to add some new entertainment each year.

Other entertainment additions include a flame-throwing performer—a popular returning act—who is also bringing a monster truck this year, as well as a BMX bike park team performing stunts along the route. “We definitely have some new groups this year,” Zapien says.

Zapien also is glad to share that the entire parade will be recorded for broadcast on PCTV. For the first time, “the countless volunteers working at designated locations throughout the parade, and those participating in the parade will have an opportunity to actually see it, and those who attend can enjoy seeing it again.”

Back On The Familiar Route

“It isn’t Halloween without roadwork happening in Boyertown,” Zapien jokes, describing the usual last-minute logistics. However, a welcome change for longtime parade-goers is a return to the parade’s old traditional course.

Zapien describes that staging areas are back to the Berk Wiper lot, the nearby middle school and elementary school, after last year’s temporary shift to the high school because of roadwork. “Last year they were at the high school because of the roadwork,” she says. “We’re just trying to keep it as safe as possible.”

Zapien acknowledges the community’s concern, recalling an injury last year, and shares, “The young man who was injured is doing pretty well from what I am told, so that’s very good to hear.”

Food Trucks, Facilities, and Viewing Comforts

Spectators can enjoy more food options this year. Several food trucks will be on hand, including Three Brothers Grill from Pottstown, Schaefer Catering (which will set up two spots, one in the participants’ lot and another near Rita’s), and Lee Dogs.

To make the evening more convenient for families and participants, the committee again is providing portable restrooms along the route. “Years ago, people had to go into restaurants, which made for long lines,” recalls Zapien.

Community Effort

Zapien credits the parade’s success to the volunteers and community members who help plan and staff the event.

“The community just comes together so well for this,” she proudly states. “People think we just show up and do it, but we start planning in November for the next year. It’s truly a year-round effort—getting permits, coordinating with police and fire police, and making sure everything runs smoothly. We really want to make sure everyone knows how appreciated they are,” Zapien says.

Zapien also expresses gratitude to the Boyertown community at large. “We just really want to thank everyone for helping to make it safe for the kids—keeping them out of the street and letting everyone enjoy it. People really go all out for this, and it’s exciting to see what they come up with.”

Parade Details

The Boyertown Halloween Parade begins at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 18, with a rain date of Sunday, October 19. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early to find parking and enjoy the food and festivities.

Information about when the broadcast will air will be shared on both the Boyertown Area Historical Society’s and the Boyertown Halloween Parade’s Facebook pages.

As always, spectators can expect lions, tigers, and plenty of bears—but also a great deal of spirit and Boyertown pride marching down the street tonight.