Salem 2025 Haunted Happenings Grand Parade Help Sought

SALEM, MA — The Salem Chamber of Commerce is seeking more than four dozen volunteers to help out with the upcoming Haunted Happenings Grand Parade that acts as the official kick-off to the Halloween season in the Witch City.

While weekend crowds have already begun descending upon downtown Salem in the weeks leading into October, the first major event of the season is generally regarded to be the Haunted Happenings Grand Parade on Oct. 2, starting at 6 p.m.

• Salem Residents Get 'Free' Night Out Ahead Of Downtown Halloween Rush
• North Shore 'Hocus Pocus' Cast Reunion Set For Series Of Halloween Events
• 'Toughen Up Salem': Safety Stressed As 1.15+ Million Witch City Halloween Season Visitors Expected

A parade volunteers meeting is scheduled for Tuesday from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Salem police station.

Volunteers will be assigned to either help coordinate the lineup at Shetland Park, attend the pedestrian crossing areas along the route, or keep the audience from going beyond the safety barriers.

All volunteers are asked to attend the meeting where event details, day-of logistics, & parade safety will be discussed. Those looking to volunteer but who cannot attend the meeting can email Jeff@salem-chamber.org.

Volunteers will be provided an orange "Volunteer" T-Shirt to wear while volunteering and to keep.

Volunteers are asked to be at Sheltland Park on Congress Street by 5 p.m. on parade day where they will be given assignments and T-shirts that can be worn over outfits.

This year’s event will feature the theme "Stronger Together – The Magic of Us" — celebrating the power of unity and imagination.

Those looking to sponsor or march in this year's parade can apply here.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)