Goblins, ghouls, ghosts and other “ragamuffins” will take over the streets of Williston Park on Oct. 31, as they have for nearly half a century in the village’s annual Halloween Ragamuffin Parade.
The parade lets children continue the Hallow’s Eve fun following their usual trick-or-treating, said Doreen Ehrbar, a former village mayor.
But it’s not just for children, Ehrbar said. Parents and grandparents join the parade and have just as much fun.
“It just brings everybody out,” she said. “It gives the young kids something to do — the babies in the strollers. It’s a good family event because it’s not only for the kids.”
The parade tradition was started by former village Mayor Roger Fay, the namesake of Williston Park’s village pool. It has always been held on the day of Halloween, Ehrbar said.
The parade caps off Halloween for younger children, who usually start going door to door for candy after school in the afternoon and finish trick-or-treating by the time the parade starts, Ehrbar said.
Costumed marchers will start at 6:30 p.m. from Williston Park American Legion Post 144 on Willis Avenue and proceed west on Charles Street, south on Park Avenue and east on Lafayette Street before arriving at Village Hall at 144 Willis Ave.
Nassau County police officers and members of Williston Park’s auxiliary police force will escort the ragamuffins along the route. They’ll also receive candy and other gifts courtesy of the Mineola-based Kiwanis Club of County Seat.
While the children make their way to Village Hall, the village’s Recreation Committee will sponsor a pumpkin-carving contest there starting at 5:30 p.m. The winning jack-o-lanterns will be announced after the parade.
