80th Toms River Halloween Parade: What To Know

TOMS RIVER, NJ — The 80th Toms River Halloween Parade is here at last. Whether you're marching or simply planning to grab a spot along the parade route, here's the information you need to know.

The 80th holding of the Toms River Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 Halloween Parade continues a tradition that began in 1919. It was halted for a few years in the 1930s due to a lack of money and again during World War II. Superstorm Sandy caused it to be canceled in 2012. It is reported to be the second largest in the world, according to the Guiness Book of World Records.

Parade registration opens at 8 a.m. at the Toms River Fire Company No. 1 firehouse at 26 Robbins St. and registration is open until 4 p.m. Registration is free but donations are welcome, and there are 11 walking divisions and 9 motorized divisions to pick from.

This year the parade will be starting at Main Street and Highland Parkway. Downtown streets, including Main Street and Washington Street, will be closing at 5:30 p.m. to allow for parade set-up and will be closed until after 9 p.m. The parade itself kicks off at 7 p.m.

The main branch of the Ocean County Library on Washington Street will be closing at 5 p.m. due to the parade.

Participants are asked to be at the Toms River Shopping Center, Route 37 and Main Street, no later than 6 p.m. The parade again will go south on Main Street and turn left onto Washington Street before ending at Hooper Avenue.

Group leaders are urged to inform all group members of the group's letter and number after registration. Parents and guardians of children marching in the parade are urged to meet them at the Ocean County Administration Building on Hooper Avenue. Float participants are urged to make separate arrangements.

Prizes will be awarded as each division reaches the Ocean County Administration Building, with the Farthest Traveled, Youngest and Oldest awarded at the judges' stand.

If you are coming only to watch the parade, organizers offer the following recommendations:

ARRIVE EARLY! We recommend you arrive about 2 hours prior to the start of the parade. This allows time to get settled and comfortable so the parade can begin on time. Highland Parkway and Main Street will have to remain clear of people due to entry of floats.

BE FLEXIBLE! Having a backup plan will prevent disappointment in the rare event you can’t get to see the parade from your first choice viewing areas. Please do not sit within an intersection of any side street. Vehicles require unobstructed access in the event of an emergency.

WEAR THE RIGHT STUFF! Wear whatever you will need to keep comfortable. The temperature Wednesday evening is predicted to be in the mid- to low 60s.

SHARE THE SPIRIT! Part of the fun of going to the parade is to share the spirit of celebration. The spirit of Halloween is contagious. Pass it on!

PARKING: It is suggested that you park at the Ocean County Parking Garage, located at Madison Avenue between Hooper Avenue and Hadley Avenue. Any vehicles parking on any side street off of Main Street must be 1,000 feet off of the corner of the parade. Do not park at the Toms River Shopping Center. Groups should car pool to drop off participants.

WHEELCHAIR SEATING: There will be a reserved area for wheelchair viewing, but if you do need this service we ask that you call the Firehouse 732-349-0144 on parade day.

RESTROOMS: Portable restrooms will be throughout the Toms River Center, at the end of the parade and across from the Firehouse on Robbins Street.

CHANGES: If any changes to the parade are needed they will be announced on 100.1 FM, 95.9 FM, 92.7 FM, TV 21 & Social Media.

EMERGENCIES: At every intersection of the parade there will be a uniformed emergency personnel for your safety. Remember 911 on your cell phones.

LOST AND FOUND: Any articles that are found should be brought to the Firehouse on Robbins Street, after the parade.

CAN'T BE THERE? WATCH: If you are unable to view the parade in person, the Toms River Regional Schools' student television crew, TRSTV, will be streaming the parade live with multiple cameras over the TRSTV YouTube channel. The stream should begin around 7 p.m. Click here to watch.

(For loyal Patch fans who have seen the Toms River Patch Facebook Live broadcast, that will not be available this year due to a family issue. Sorry folks!)

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Photo by Karen Wall, Patch staff