86th Toms River Halloween Parade: What To Know To March Or Watch

TOMS RIVER, NJ — The Toms River Fire Company 1 Halloween Parade is set to march through the streets of downtown Toms River for the 86th time on Friday, Oct. 31.

The parade is set to step off at 7 p.m. from the corner of Highland Parkway and head down Main Street and east on Washington Street.

This year, people and groups who are planning to participate can register ahead of time for the parade, organizers said. Early registration will be held Tuesday, Oct. 27, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the firehouse on Robbins Street. Registrations also will be taken on parade day at the firehouse from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., the fire company said.

Highland Parkway and Main Street will close to traffic at 5 p.m.

Fire company officials said they are monitoring the weather forecast for Friday.

"We are getting a lot of inquiries about the weather on Halloween Night. We are in constant communication with the National Weather Service as well as local news weather stations," fire company officials said. "Intel is telling us we should be good. Any postponements will be announced on Friday afternoon. But as of NOW everything is a GO!" officials said.

If the parade is postponed, the rain date is Saturday, Nov. 1, at 7 p.m.

Here's what to know if you are planning to march in the parade or watch:

For participants

• Floats cannot be more than 14 feet high.
• Politics of any sort is not allowed in the parade or on its route, as always.
• All vehicles in line must be decorated.
• All pets in the pet divisions must have proof of vaccinations and you must clean up after your pet.
• All entries shall be respectful and appropriate for a family environment.
• No throwing of candy, articles, pamphlets or any other items from motorized floats.
• There is no fee to participate but the fire company welcomes donations to support the parade and the fire company.

Participants have to be at the Toms River Shopping Center no later than 6 p.m. to line up for the parade.

The parade divisions

• Best decorated baby carriage or express wagon, children age 4 or younger
• Best decorated baby carriage or express wagon, children age 4 or younger, motorized
• Best group in line, Scouting organization
• Best group in line, Scouting organization, motorized
• Best costume, children ages 5-12
• Best costume, children ages 5-12, motorized
• Best group in line, emergency services
• Best group in line, emergency services, motorized
• Best group in line, junior/community organization
• Best group in line, junior/community organization, motorized
• Best group in costume, Family
• Best group in costume, Family, motorized
• Best costume, ages 13-17
• Best costume, ages 13-17, motorized
• Best couple
• Best group in line, Commercial business/Votech School
• Best group in line, Commercial business/Votech School, motorized
• Best decorated family pet
• Best decorated family pet, motorized
• Best costume, 18 and older
• Best costume, 18 and older, motorized
• Best appearing vehicle, pre-1950, motorized
• Best appearing vehicle, 1951-1979, motorized
• Best appearing vehicle, 1980-2000, motorized
• Best appearing vehicle, 2000-present, motorized

For spectators

• Bring chairs and blankets to sit on. Chairs cannot be placed until the morning of the parade; you cannot reserve seats in advance.
• Dress for the weather. Wear gloves and warm clothing if the temperatures dictate.
• Dress up in your Halloween costume, too, if you'd like. It adds to the festive spirit of the parade.
• Do not sit in any of the intersections along Main Street; they need to remain clear in case of an emergency.
• There will be a reserved area for wheelchair users. Call the firehouse at 732-349-0144 for information.

Parking

Participants and spectators SHOULD NOT PARK at the Toms River Shopping Center. Participants should be dropped off and vehicles parked elsewhere.

Parking is available at the Ocean County parking garage off Hadley Avenue. Parking also is available i the Toms River Township municipal parking garage off Water Street, and municipal lots on Water and Irons streets.

Details and updates can be found on the Toms River Fire Company 1 Halloween Parade Facebook page.