Continuing a Newark tradition seven decades strong, the annual Newark Halloween Parade will be taking place on Main Street this Sunday, October 29, beginning at 3 p.m. Other festivities include a Halloween party, Mayor's Movie Night and Trick-or-Treat Main Street.

"For seventy years, Newark's Halloween Parade has delighted our friends and neighbors, and invited the greater Newark community to visit our downtown businesses," said Mayor Polly Sierer. "The organizations, schools and businesses that participate each year come up with fun, creative ideas to keep the parade new and interesting and keep the crowd coming back year after year."

More than 60 groups signed up for the parade this year, which will feature several local marching bands, vehicles from the Brandywine Region Antique Auto Club and Newark's hometown fire company, AETNA Hose, Hook and Ladder. The parade will begin at Tyre Avenue at 3 p.m. and continue down Main Street to North College Avenue.

Groups interested in participating in the parade should contact the City of Newark Parks and Recreation Department at (302) 366-7000 for an application. Costumed individuals or families wanting to participate may do so by checking in with Parks and Recreation staff at George Read Park (across from Newark High School) by 2:30 p.m. the day of the parade.

Prior to the parade, the City will host two separate events at the George Wilson Center (GWC) to

help children and families get into the Halloween spirit. On Thursday, October 26, from 4 - 5:30 p.m., the GWC will host its annual Halloween costume party for kids ages 3 - 12. Come out and enjoy special Halloween activities, sweet refreshments, spooky storytelling, a mysterious costume contest and even a scary room to enter if you dare. Registration fee is $2 at the door.

Then, officially kick off the Halloween weekend during the Mayor's Movie Night, featuring dinner and an outdoor showing of Hocus Pocus at the George Wilson Center on Friday, October 27. Food vendors will be on site starting at 5:30 p.m., and there will be crafts for the kids before the show and popcorn for the movie starting at 6:30 p.m. Bring your blankets and appetite for a fun night. Movie will be moved indoors if rain occurs.

Following the Halloween Parade on Sunday, children are invited to enjoy goodies and activities while safely walking from business to business during Trick-or-Treat Main Street. Though the street will be closed to vehicular traffic, businesses will be open for shopping and trick-or-treating. Downtown visitors are also invited back to the Academy Building Lawn, where there will be a decorated area perfect for picture taking.

The following streets will be closed for Newark's Annual Halloween Parade and Trick-or-Treat Main Street on Sunday, October 30 from 2:30 until 5 p.m.

• Main Street (Library Avenue to South College Avenue)
• Delaware Circle
• Tyre Avenue
• Delaware Avenue (Chapel Street to Library Avenue) from 2:30 to 4 p.m.

Delays are expected in the area during the event. Main Street will reopen at approximately 5 p.m. following Trick-or-Treat Main Street. These events are coordinated by the Newark Parks and Recreation Department, with the support of the Downtown Newark Partnership. In case of inclement weather, please call the Leisure Time Hotline at (302) 366-7147. There is no rain date for this event. Please contact the Parks and Recreation Office for more information at (302) 366-7000 or visit www.newarkde.gov/play.