The 2015 Lititz Lions Halloween Parade was one week away in late October, which meant parents were scrambling to finish costumes, outfit floats and get ready for the event that brings a burst of creativity to downtown Lititz.
Costume inspiration
The parade has a reputation for inventive costumes. In 2014, one Manheim mother created three award-winning costumes for her children, including a giant baseball trophy worn by her son, who stood perfectly still atop a pedestal as she pushed him along the route. It earned second place in the Grand Prize category.
The details
When: 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, 2015. It was the second straight year the parade was held in daylight, a change made for safety reasons. No rain date was set.
Where: The route was limited to Main Street.
What changed: The parade was not followed by a fall fair in 2015. Turnout for the fair had started strong the year before but dropped off sharply after the first hour.
Prizes: Awards were given in three divisions: children, groups and floats.
Registration: The deadline to enter was Oct. 23.
For participants
All participants, floats and vehicles lined up on Main Street between Locust and Oak streets. The parade traveled west on Main Street and ended at the Square, with judges on a stand at Sturgis Lane and Main Street.
At the end, participants were guided across Broad Street (Route 501) onto West Main Street. Parents picked up their children near the Lititz Mutual parking lot on West Main Street, with traffic control at the Square helping walkers cross.
For spectators
Lititz Borough Police set rules for saving spots along the route:
- Police bagged parking meters along the route three hours before the parade.
- On metered blocks, chairs and blankets could be placed two hours before the parade.
- On blocks without meters, chairs and blankets could be put down five hours before the parade.
- Chairs and blankets placed outside those guidelines could be collected by police, subject to penalties and fines.
Trick-or-treat
Trick-or-treat in Lititz Borough and Warwick Township was held the night before, Friday, Oct. 30, from 6 to 8 p.m., giving families a full Halloween weekend downtown.
A Lititz tradition
The Lititz Lions Club has organized the Halloween parade for generations, drawing families from across northern Lancaster County. Proceeds from Lions events support local projects and the club’s long-standing focus on vision-related charities, the same cause supported by its annual summer car cruise on East Main Street.
Moving the parade to a Saturday morning made it easier for young children to take part and improved safety for marchers and spectators alike. For many families, the morning parade became the centerpiece of Halloween in Lititz.
Costume tips
Parade veterans recommend costumes that allow easy walking for the length of the route, layers for a chilly October morning, and comfortable shoes. Creative, homemade costumes often impress the judges most, and groups and floats can stand out with a clear theme.
Parade-day tips
- Arrive early for a good spot along the route.
- Bring chairs or blankets, and dress for cooler evening temperatures.
- Keep young children close and away from the curb as units pass.
- Plan parking in advance, since downtown streets close for the parade.
A community tradition
Halloween parades are a beloved small-town tradition, bringing out bands, fire companies, community groups and plenty of costumed families.
After the parade
Many families make an evening of it, grabbing dinner downtown or heading home for trick-or-treat. For local businesses, parade night is one of the busiest of the fall.
This article was originally published in October 2015.