Joint KES and Katonah Chamber Halloween Parade and Fair to be Held Oct. 29

The Katonah Elementary School PTO and the Katonah Chamber of Commerce have teamed up this year to host the annual Halloween Parade and Halloween Fair on

The change in location stems from a need to save money and a desire to marry the two events which in the past have drawn spirited crowds to the school and town's main drag.

"Expenses for the parade have been minimal in the past—but his year municipal costs associated with holding the parade downtown were not within the means of the chamber budget," said Edris Scherer, chamber co-president. "But each year the KES parents put on an amazing fair, which combined with the parade made for a very fun weekend. So the partnership made sense."

The parade kicks off on Oct. 29 at 10:30 a.m. but families are invited to come in costume at 10:15 a.m. to assemble. The route starts on the field behind the school and ends on the plaza in front of the school with cider and donuts provided by the chamber. At 11 a.m., school doors open for the 32nd annual KES Halloween Fair.

Scherer said she can remember setting up for the first parade 15 years ago, after she and Angela Melillo, owner of a former Katonah Ave. shop, The Ink Spot, cooked up the idea.

"Over the years we have gotten chilled to the bone while matching through snow flurries, and also dripped with sweat as Indian summer temperatures climbed," she said. "We are pleased to partner with the PTO to keep the parade marching on."

What to Know Before You Go

• Parking will be limited and parade-goers are encouraged to walk or carpool to the event. The parade will be held weather permitting; Halloween Fair is on rain or shine.
• The parade assembles at 10:15 a.m. and starts at 10:30 a.m.  The fair runs from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 
• The fair includes raffles, games and prizes , a bouncy castle and "haunted hallway" and live music featuring John Jay Middle and High School students, plus a teacher's rock band. 
• Admission is free and tickets can be purchased to participate in the various activities. Each child in a costume receives one complimentary ticket.
• Downtown Katonah will offer Halloween activies from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. including a magician sponsored by Trustco Bank, to be performing in front of Charles Department Store at 1 p.m.
• Little Joe’s Books will be offering spooky story readings throughout the day.
• Shoppers will also find many Halloween treats at Scaglio’s Market, Charles Department Store, NoKa Joe’s, All State Insurance, Prudential, Douglas Ellima, Wm Raveis, Stegers, Awakenings, KD Studio, Katonah Dental, Jems, Must Love Dogs, Peppino’s Ristorante, Ebba and the Eclectic Collector.
• Pick up a pail for collecting treats at Houlihan Lawrence.

Proceeds from the fundraising event benefit Katonah Elementary School’s PTO and are put towards developing programs and educational events.