Thousands of Shippensburg area residents went to King Street on Friday to view the annual Halloween parade despite cold winds and light rain.
The Shippensburg Halloween Parade, also known as the “Kids Event Parade,” kicked off just after 7 p.m. on King and Prince streets. When the participants were ready, Shippensburg Borough Mayor Bruce Hockersmith gave the signal and the Boiling Springs High School marching band played the National Anthem. The Halloween parade is the largest parade Shippensburg hosts, Hockersmith said.
A military colorguard led the parade, consisting of two marching bands, more than a dozen floats from local businesses and community organizations and countless pieces of candy.
Children sat with their parents on curbs and folding chairs, bundled in blankets, waiting for candy. Members of the Shippensburg Area High School football team were among dozens to pass out the sweets.
The parade is well-known all over the area, Hockersmith said. Brian and Denise Mullen of Newville, Pennsylvania, came with their children. Denise said she was there to see her niece, who participated in the parade with a local dance troupe.
“It brings people together,” Denise said. “It brings the family together.”
Shippensburg University students and professors were among the dozens of paradegoers, standing out in signature SU sweatshirts.
Local vendors and bakeries, including The Lollipop Shop, sold candied apples and cotton candy to passersby.
The parade lasted for more than an hour and dispersed near Morris Street. Shippensburg is to hold its community trick or treat from 6–8 p.m. on Oct. 31.
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