Salem Haunted Happenings Grand Parade Turns Into Wicked Walkabout

SALEM, MA — The Haunted Happenings Grand Parade is back this year with a 2021 twist aimed at keeping visitors to one of the city's holiday traditions as safe as possible amid the coronavirus pandemic.

After being canceled last year, the 25th Salem Chamber of Commerce's marquee event will become more of a wicked walkabout than a traditional parade as performers, floats and displays will be in set positions downtown with attendees encouraged the walk around and visit each one separately.

The idea being that — without an outdoor mask mandate this year — it is better to have folks strolling by each other than standing right next to the same group on a curb for an hour or more.

The Chamber of Commerce is calling this year's theme "Upside Down and Inside Out" for the annual holiday season kickoff event from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 7.

"The Parade is for the kids, and to have a safe event during a pandemic we thought it bet to create an event that's fun, where physical distancing is possible, and where everyone is responsible for their own safety," Salem Chamber Director Rinus Oosthoek said.

Salem Public Schools will return to this year's festivities as well with marching bands and floats representing many of the city's school communities.

"The schools' participation is what makes this a phenomenally successful, cherished event for everyone in our community," Oosthoek said. "We think this year's theme has given all participants the opportunity to have some fun in designing a float or display, imagining everything being the opposite of what it used to be."

It is suggested that those attending walk to the downtown in smaller groups. Costumes are encouraged for both adults and children.

While there is no specific starting and ending point, this year's event will be using Essex Street, The Pedestrian Mall, Axelrod Walkway, Charter Street, Front Street, Derby Square and Central Street.

Retailers and restaurants are encouraged to stay open and participate. Those attending are reminded Salem has an indoor mask order for all businesses regardless of vaccination status through at least Nov. 13.

Grand Parade sponsors include: Coffee Time Bake Shop, Eastern Bank, Garrity Insurance, Hawthorne Hotel, Institution for Savings, Mass General Brigham – Salem Hospital, Marblehead Bank, New England Security, North Shore Bank, Peabody Essex Museum, SalemFive Bank, Salem State University, Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites, Salem Witch Museum, St. Jeans Credit Union, and Xfinity.

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