The Woburn Halloween Parade is a pretty unique event. It’s worth experiencing, and you’ll get the most out of it with these tips.
I’m realizing as I write this that I’m a bit of a de facto “Massachusetts Parade Expert.” I grew up in Wakefield, which is the home of an annual 4th of July parade that dates back over 100 years. I have fond memories of going to 4th of July cookouts at my Great Auntie Helen’s house, then walking over to my Great Uncle Jackie’s house and sitting out front as the parade went by.
I’ve lived in Woburn for over 20 years, which is home to an annual Halloween Parade that dates back over 70 years. The parade takes place on the last Sunday of October every year, and it’s sponsored by the Lion’s Club. The parade kicks off right around 1:00 p.m. in the parking lot of Showcase Cinemas in Woburn and winds its way down Main St. to Lake St. All in all, it’s a three-hour affair.
Woburn Halloween Parade: A Local Shares What You Need to Know
As many fond memories as I have of growing up going to the 4th of July Parade in Wakefield, my memories of the Halloween Parade in Woburn are even fonder. That’s because each of Woburn’s elementary schools gets to have a float in the parade. Each year, each school chooses its individual float theme, then gets to work decorating a flatbed truck and costuming the kids who volunteer.
For a few years, our kiddos were in on this and their mom was either helping decorate, organize, or chaperone. There was even a year when I marched in the parade myself, helping my oldest carry a banner! But for most years, we’ve been spectators. So I’m in a unique position to share what I know. I won’t share any pics of the kids, though; they’d have to sign off on that. Just some pumpkins and tips below.
