It'll be creepy, funny, weird, outrageous and creative on Halsted Street this Halloween as the Northalsted parade and costume contest walks a new route.
"We have people who come from all over the city and the suburbs to attend this event," said Jen Gordon, spokesperson for the Northalsted Business Alliance, which holds the parade. As to how the celebration has become a key attraction for Halloween, Gordon said the appeal is simple: People throw all their time and energy into dressing up. "It's one of those parades where we really encourage creativity in the costumes."
She also said the parade will include MaCray Huff and Katrell Mendenhall as judges, two stars of "Chicagolicious" on the Style Network, and will feature audience participation.
"That's also a really fun component of it," Gordon said. "The costumes are hilarious. People like work for months on these costumes."
The parade kicks off at 7 p.m. Oct. 31 on Halsted Street, traveling from Waveland to Belmont Avenue. There's a pre-party from 4 to 6 p.m. at Circuit nightclub, 3641 N. Halsted St., and anyone who shows up in costume by 6 p.m. gets to march in the parade. The stage show, where winners will be announced, starts at 8 p.m. at Halsted Street and Belmont Avenue.
The prize categories are: most original, best drag costume, scariest adult costume, best group costume and best pet costume.
The parade, while party central for a lot of costumed folks, is also just a part of the festivities planned for the holiday. Sunday, Oct. 28, there will be a kids' event at Space Park, 815 W. Roscoe, but the adults get their own night of revelry on Halloween.
Gordon said the alliance expects about 500 people to march in this year's parade, which will also feature four floats.
"Each and every year, the event grows," she said. "That's something that we definitely aim to continue."
For more details, visit the Northalsted Business Alliance's site about the Halloween parade.
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