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Date: 10/27/2021
NORTHAMPTON – To celebrate Halloween this year, the city of Northampton is hosting two of their most beloved events on Oct. 31.
Downtown Trick-or-Treat, the city’s annual family-friendly event, will be happening from 1 to 4 p.m. on Halloween thanks to preparations made by the Downtown Northampton Association (DNA).
According to Amy Cahillane, the executive director for the DNA, businesses who are participating in the event will have signs in their window indicating that children can visit for trick-or-treating purposes.
“The only change this year is we’re encouraging people for COVID reasons to stand outside if their space is particularly small or just be cognizant of crowds,” said Cahillane. “Other than that, it’s similar as years past.”
Children are invited to wear costumes, and both adults and children are encouraged to wear masks for everybody’s safety. “We’re hoping that, with a three-hour window, people will have enough time to spread themselves out a little bit,” said Cahillane.
The event has been going on for around a decade, including the six years that the DNA has spearheaded it.
“It’s always been a fan favorite event and brings a lot of people downtown,” said Cahillane. “I’m expecting that this year will be a little bit lighter just because of COVID.”
The other large event happening on Halloween in Northampton will be the famous Rag Shag Parade. Thousands of people will be marching at 6 p.m. in Florence Village, whether costumed or not. The parade begins at Trinity Park and will end at the Florence Civic Center. It is the oldest continuing rag shag parade in the country, according to the Northampton website.
“We are expecting a large turnout this year as we did not hold the parade last year, instead opting to do a very low-key trunk or treat,” said Georgianna Brunton, the president of the Florence Civic & Business Association. “We are working with our local Board of Health to ensure the safety of our families and little friends. We are asking that families and attendees wear masks regardless of vaccination status if they are not able to maintain distance from other groups of others.”
Sanitizer stations will be available for attendees, and parade snacks will not be offered this year to limit large group gatherings. The gathering begins at 5:30 p.m. at Trinity Row Park, and prizes will be awarded to people who wear costumes.