SALEM — The Salem Chamber’s 29th Annual Haunted Happenings Grand Parade steps off Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
The annual parade’s main sponsors are Prime Group Shetland Park, The House of the Seven Gables, Salem Witch Museum, and St. Jean’s Credit Union. This year’s theme is “Old-School Halloween”, looking back at the evolution of Halloween through the ages as Salem celebrates its 400+.
From the ancient traditions of Samhain to classic trick-or-treating, homemade costumes, and even the nostalgia of ‘90s Halloween movies, we can’t wait to see your interpretation.
The evening should be a night full of color, pageantry, music, and the enthusiasm of thousands of Salem’s students from kindergarten to college plus many local businesses and non-profits. Their participation is what makes this a highly successful, cherished event for our community.
Salem police will begin road closures around 4 p.m. The parade begins at Shetland Park at 6:30 p.m. and weaves through the downtown to Salem Common, ending at approximately 8 p.m.
Pedestrian safety barriers will return again, lining both sides of the parade route. The audience is asked to remain behind the barriers for their own safety and that of the parade participants. Gaps in the barriers for pedestrian access before the parade starts will remain open until 6:15 p.m. Once the barrier gaps are shut, there will be a single crossing point at the intersection of Front and Washington streets that will remain open for the duration of the parade.
Banner sponsors include Atlantic Toyota, Coffee Time Bake Shop, Desjardin Insurance Agency, Eastern Bank, Haunted Warren Museum, Peabody Essex Museum, Rockland Trust, Salem State University, The Hive Workspace and Business Center, and Witch City Walking Tours! Lastly we are grateful for additional support of our Friends of the Parade: Black Cat Curiosity Shoppe & Tours, Blackcraft, Cheetah DJ & Photography, Dóchas House of Yoga, Institution for Savings, Metro Credit Union, Palmer Cove Yacht Club, The Sea Wych Salem, and When Seconds Count.