Families are gearing up for a spooktacular time at this year’s 13th Annual Children’s Halloween Festival and Parade in Coney Island. Hosted by the Alliance for Coney Island and NYC Health+Hospitals/South Brooklyn Health, this highly-anticipated event promises a day of delightful frights and family fun at Maimonides Park on Sat., Oct. 28, from noon to 4:00 p.m.
“Halloween gives us the opportunity to celebrate childhood, impart important lessons, such as ‘scaring is caring,’ and welcome everyone to join us as whomever they want to be,” said Dan Murphy, Executive Director of the Alliance for Coney Island, a nonprofit organization that hosts local events and fundraisers year-round.
Supported by a roster of dedicated community sponsors such as Council Member Ari Kagan, the Brooklyn Cyclones, Luna Park in Coney Island, Nathan’s Famous, Starbucks and more, Coney Island is all set to offer a spirited experience for children aged one to 14 and their families.
Participants will be able to engage in several Halloween-themed activities, from face painting and pumpkin decorating to inflatable mazes and caricature art. The event will feature arts-and-crafts stations and an array of food options to satisfy young appetites.
The main event comes later, when brass band from HONK NYC’s Trick-or-Streets will lead the iconic Halloween parade down the iconic Riegelmann Boardwalk to Luna Park.
Little ghouls and goblins are encouraged to tap into their creativity through costumes, vying for titles in the Coney Island Halloween Costume Contest, which includes categories like Most Creative Costume, Best Group Costume and Funniest Costume.
Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. on-site the day of the event. The first 1,200 children to sign up will receive a free trick-or-treat bag filled with goodies and an exclusive unlimited ride wristband for Luna Park,
providing excitement that continues long after the parade concludes.
“Come and join the fun. You have to be out of your gourd to miss it!” said Murphy.
