October 21, 2024, Press Release from the Wapakoneta Chamber of Commerce: Wapakoneta, Ohio – The countdown to one of the most anticipated events of the year has officially begun! Get ready to don your costumes and join us for the Wapakoneta Annual Halloween Parade, scheduled for Thursday, October 24, 2024, starting at 6:30 PM. This thrilling event, hosted by the Wapakoneta Area Chamber of Commerce, promises a night of ghoulishly good fun for the entire family.
The parade route kicks off at the Auglaize County Fairgrounds Main Entrance, taking participants and spectators on a captivating journey through the heart of the Historic Downtown District, culminating at Park Street. A one-mile spectacle of Halloween creativity, the Wapakoneta Halloween Parade has been a beloved tradition since as early as 1919, and it has now grown to become one of Ohio's biggest and most cherished Halloween celebrations.
What to expect at this year's spook-tacular event:
- Over 100 imaginative and often wildly entertaining parade entries, featuring local businesses, community and municipal organizations, and hundreds of spirited kids representing youth groups.
- Six costumed high school marching bands, ready to set the rhythm for the night.
- A towering 20-foot Moonman that's sure to leave an impression.
- An abundance of candy distributed along the parade route to delight families of all ages.
This year's Grand Marshal is none other than Deb Zwez, the esteemed 2023 Citizen of the Year, who will lead the parade in style.
The Wapakoneta Halloween Parade wouldn't be possible without the generous support of the City of Wapakoneta and our dedicated sponsors: Binkley Real Estate, Service Master by Case, Finkelmeier Insurance Agency, Monfort Vorhees Family McDonald's, G.A. Wintzer & Son, Gutter MD, Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Jimmy Seger State Farm Insurance, TSC, CNI, Area Agency on Aging 3, AIP Logistics, Proforma Add-A-Line, Auglaize County Fairgrounds, Miller's Textile Services, Wapakoneta YMCA Child Development Center, Evans Home Improvement, Global Electric, Nails to Tails Resort & Spa, and Pratt Industries. We'd like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to all those who contribute to making this event a tremendous success.
In the spirit of friendly competition, parade entries will have the chance to win prizes, including:
- Grand Marshal's Selection
- Mayor's Choice
- People's Choice
- Best Commercial Entry
- Best Halloween Theme
- Best Youth Group
- Best Service Group
Before the parade kicks off at 6:30 PM, don't forget to join us at 5:30 PM downtown, in front of the judges' table near the Auglaize and Willipie Street intersection, for the Children's Halloween Contest. This pre-parade event, sponsored by the Wapakoneta Family YMCA Child Development Center, will offer exciting prizes for our young Halloween enthusiasts.
Mark your calendars, gather your costumes, and bring your family and friends to the Wapakoneta Annual Halloween Parade on Thursday, October 24, 2024. Be part of this time-honored tradition and create unforgettable memories with us. We can't wait to see you there!
For more information about the Wapakoneta Halloween Parade, please visit our website at WAPAKONETA.COM or contact The Chamber of Commerce at 419-738-2911.
2024 Wapakoneta's Halloween Parade and Costume Contest
