Beloved Ragamuffin Parade Returns To Southampton Village On Halloween

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — A beloved Halloween tradition is returning to Southampton Village this season: The Ragamuffin Parade is back.

After a seven-year hiatus, the Ragamuffin Parade returns on Halloween morning on Saturday, October 31, kicking off a full day of family-friendly festivities throughout Southampton Village.

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The day aims to bring kids in costumes, families, local businesses and community organizations together for an old-fashioned Halloween celebration.

Last held in 2019, the Ragamuffin Parade is being revived through a collaboration between the Southampton Chamber of Commerce, under its new leadership, the Southampton Village Partnership (SVP), and the Southampton Playhouse, with the support of the Village of Southampton, organizers said.

The festivities begin at 9:30 a.m., at Shippy's, located at 36 Windmill Lane, where children ages 12 and under, dressed in their Halloween finest, will set off on a festive procession through the heart of Southampton Village.

More than 75 local businesses are participating in the celebration, welcoming young trick-or-treaters with candy, treats and Halloween surprises along the way, organizers said.

Maps of the parade route will be provided. The first stop is the beloved Rogers Memorial Library, where children will take part in Halloween-themed games and collect some treats.

Next, the parade continues down Nugent Street, covers Main and Hampton Road and makes its final lap down Jobs Lane, to Hill Street and the movie theater, organizers said.

The parade will conclude at the recently restored Southampton Playhouse, located at 43 Hill Street, where the Halloween festivities continue with a costume contest at noon, featuring prizes for first, second and third place, as well as a runner-up.

Southampton Village Mayor William Manger Jr. and Southampton Village Police Chief Sue Hurteau will be among the judges, organizers said.

At 12:30 p.m., families are invited to enjoy a special short film screening suitable for all ages.

"Bringing back the Ragamuffin Parade is about so much more than Halloween costumes and candy. It's about bringing back a cherished Southampton tradition, one that connects generations of families and reminds us of what makes our village so special," said Manger. "There is something so festive about seeing our downtown filled with children in costumes and local businesses opening their doors to the community and I am thrilled that the village, the Chamber of Commerce and the Southampton Village Partnership could bring this tradition back. It's time to make some new Halloween memories!"

The Ragamuffin tradition has roots dating back to the late 19th century, when children in New York dressed in costumes and went door-to-door seeking treats on Thanksgiving, organizers said.

Over time, the custom evolved into festive parades and eventually became associated with Halloween.

Today, Ragamuffin parades remain a cherished tradition in communities throughout the New York metropolitan area, officials said.

Southampton's revival of the parade is part of a broader effort to celebrate the village's traditions, support its downtown businesses and create year-round opportunities for residents and visitors to come together, organizers said.

And the Halloween fun doesn't end with the parade: At 2 p.m., Southampton Elementary School will host a Trunk-or-Treat celebration, offering another opportunity for children and families to enjoy the holiday.

Together, these events promise a full day of Halloween excitement, organizers said.

"Southampton Village has always been a place where traditions matter," added Manger. "Whether it's our Fourth of July Parade, Southamptonfest or the return of the Ragamuffin Parade, these are the occasions that bring neighbors together and create lasting memories for our children. We couldn't be happier to welcome this one back."

All are invited.