Nyack Halloween Parade Promises To Be Bigger And Better Than Ever

NYACK, NY — The pet costume contest was such a success last year at the annual Halloween Parade in Nyack that organizers are bringing it back.

It's just one of the many things that happen before the parade every year which make it a spectacular outing for the whole day, whether you're marching or among the 10,000 spectators who line Broadway and Main Street for the fun-filled, family-friendly event, featuring marching bands, festooned fire trucks, fantasmagorical floats and a host of costumed revelers.

The parade and all the trimmings is scheduled for Oct. 28, with the 29th as the rain date.

Of course the contests for best individual, couple, group and kids' costumes will still take place — and this year the judges have $700 to distribute in prizes.

The prizes for best float will be:

• 1st Place $1000
• 2nd Place $500
• 3rd Place $250

First, second and third-place pet costumes will receive prizes from Paws on Main.

The pet costume category was introduced last year when the parade returned after a two-year hiatus. The event really bounced back after the pandemic, Roger Cohen, head of the Nyack Chamber of Commerce, told Patch.

"Last year the crowd returned, at pre-pandemic levels, and we expect an even bigger one this year," he said.

The parade itself is the biggest and craziest outside of New York City, its organizers vow. It's on the Travel Channel as one of the top 10 in the country.

But seriously, don't limit yourself to the parade.

The pet costume contest is at noon. Pumpkin painting takes place starting at 1 p.m. on South Broadway. Grab some lunch at one of the village's many eateries and at least do some window shopping before heading to Memorial Park for the costume judging, which starts at 3 p.m. and gives you a chance to check out the amazing creativity for which Nyack's event is known.

Registration (required for prize eligibility) and judging runs till 5 p.m.

Famous Frankie D and the Boyz — perennial favorites at the Nyack celebration — will provide live music all afternoon before and during the parade in the gazebo. Dancing is optional, but encouraged.

The parade itself steps off at 5:30 p.m.

Then there's an after party at the Hotel Nyack. Doors open at 8 p.m. Click here for tickets

In addition to the Chamber of Commerce, the sponsors include Guinness, Oak Beverages Inc., Hotel Nyack, Visit Nyack and the village.

The parade route runs from Memorial Park (Depew and Piermont streets): south on Piermont Avenue, west on Cedar Hill, north on Broadway, west on Main Street, south on Franklin Street and finally east on Artopee.

All contestants check in on parade day in Memorial Park at the corner of Depew and Piermont streets for confirmation and photography. Prize contestants – both costumes and floats — are encouraged to pre-register online at nyackchamber.org to speed up the process on parade day.