TOMS RIVER – This is the scariest time of year…I’m talking about political season, not Halloween.
The parade organizers – the firefighters of Toms River Fire Company No. 1 – sent out a reminder to the public that there is to be no political messages in the Halloween parade.
The parade is the second largest in the country, so it’s a perfect time for politicians to get their name and opinion out to the masses, but that’s not what this is about, one of the organizers told JerseyShoreOnline.com.
If someone is a current elected official, they are more than welcome to take part in the parade. That’s different. They can put a message out encouraging you to vote. That’s fine. They just can’t tell you how to vote or who to vote for. It might seem like a thin line, but it’s an important one.
And it’s one they won’t let anyone cross. It doesn’t matter what party you are on, your float/costume/freebies/whatever can’t endorse any political opinion. They have no problem preventing someone from joining the parade who breaks this rule. They also have no problem diverting you or your vehicle off of the parade route.
Rule 6 of the parade clearly states: “Promoting political candidates, parties, or platforms will not be allowed during parade night, setup or during.”
The Toms River Fire Company No. 1 said they are not only protecting you from fires throughout the year, but they are also protecting you from politicians on Halloween.
This Year’s Parade
The annual event will be at 7 p.m. on Friday, October 31.
The parade steps off from the corner of Main Street and Highland Parkway. The parade will travel south on Main Street (Route 9) turning left onto Washington Street. The parade ends at the intersection of Washington Street and Hooper Avenue.
This will be the 86th time the parade has been held. The parade is known for its elaborate floats, marching bands, costumes, pets, and family-friendly Halloween fun.
This year’s Grand Marshall is ex-chief William Golkiewicz.
The parade known as the second largest Halloween parade in the world, behind the one in Greenwich Village in New York. Many downtown businesses will be open. There will also be scarecrows on display. Another tradition is that windows of downtown businesses will be painted with spooky imagery.
If the parade is postponed, it will be November 1 at 7 p.m.
For more information, visit facebook.com/trfchalloweenparade, call 732-349-0144 or email CWeingroff@TRFire.org
Join The Parade
If you are interested in joining the ranks of the foul undead, registration has already begun. Come to the firehouse at 26 Robbins Street on Tuesday nights from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and also Saturday, Oct 25 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. On parade day, registration will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the same location.
If you are taking part, you should be in the Toms River Shopping Center no later than 6 p.m. on the day of the parade. Maps are online to describe how large vehicles like school buses should approach.
Group Leaders are urged to inform all of the participants in your group that they are in a walking or a float division. Let them know the letter and number of the group. Everyone will enter the parade route from Highland Parkway.
