Edison To Host Halloween Costume Parade Amid Pandemic

EDISON, NJ — While many communities have cancelled Halloween celebrations this year, Edison will organize a socially distant costume parade.

Mayor Thomas Lankey, the Edison Council, and the Edison Recreation Department announced that the town will host a “Halloween Costume Parade” at the James Elder Park Soccer Field on Oct. 24.

However, for the event to take place successfully, a lot will depend on how district schools fare at the time, said mayor Thomas Lankey.

"Well, we've prepared for the event. But a lot of it is going to depend on the schools," said Lankey. "Edison schools are starting in-person classes close to Oct. 24. So, we have to see how they do with COVID cases. We would like to see none or very little COVID positive cases," he said.

If the number of COVID cases among the school-going population is high, the town might cancel the parade, said Lankey.

The town decided to host a Halloween celebration after many community events were cancelled due to COVID.

“We usually have a harvest fest for the fall, but that involves a lot of touching. So, the only option I had was a socially distant parade,” said Joyce Fircha, acting director of the town’s recreation department.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Monday issued guidance for the holiday, saying traditional trick-or-treating, costume parties, hayrides etc. should be avoided.

Read More Here: Halloween 2020 In NJ: CDC Weighs In On Trick-Or-Treating

But Edison officials say the town is perfectly poised to organize a safe parade. “It’s a tradition...In Edison we had protests, and everybody maintained social distancing. People are even cautious when they go to restaurants. So, I think it’s fairly safe to bring children out with masks,” said councilman Ajay Patil.

Fircha said the town has worked hard to keep participants safe. “The limit to an outdoor gathering is 500 people, I’m hoping to get at least 100 participants. Also, the field is huge,” she said.

The town has released a series of precautions it’s taking for the parade. Each family will be 6 feet apart – the spot marked by paint and cones. Volunteers will help participants form a smaller circle, to walk around and show off their costumes.

The town will give out sealed bags with candy and craft items to all participants. Those attending the parade must wear masks. There will also be hand sanitizer stations around the field.

Officials said only those who pre-register will be allowed to participate. So far, the town has received only nine entries. “I’ll be lucky to get 100 participants. I don’t expect more,” said Fircha.

Despite the plans, officials are aware of families being apprehensive to join a public celebration.

“Personally, I don’t know what I would do if I had small kids during a pandemic. Parents will have to make sure the children don’t wander off, or touch anything. I understand, it’s tough,” she said.

Officials said the parade will be cancelled in case of rain.

Here are the details of the costume parade:

• Participation by registration only. Registration closes Oct. 23, 12 p.m. Click here to register https://register.communitypass.net/reg/login.cfm?cuBICvjClZwtomy3Erh3n%2B7boBJPXoxk9V2eh8RZkO%2BWj9UZiY3p8g%3D%3D
• All children must be pre-registered and accompanied by an adult.
• Face masks must be worn at all times and social distancing rules apply.

For more information, call the Edison Recreation Department at 732-248-7310.

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