Fifth Annual Coney Island Children’s Halloween Parade provides both tricks and treats

October 25, 2014 Jaime DeJesus

BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP/Photos by Arthur de Gaeta

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Oh, how kids love a parade!

On Saturday, October 25, MCU Park was the stage for the Fifth Annual Coney Island Children’s Halloween Parade.

The highly attended event was hosted by State Senator Diane Savino, Assemblymember Alec Brook-Krasny, Councilmember Mark Treyger and the Alliance for Coney Island. Children dressed as their favorite superheroes, monsters and princesses for the festive event.

“With about 2,500 people in attendance, the Fifth Annual Coney Island Children’s Halloween Parade was a great success,” said Johanna Zaki, executive director of the Alliance for Coney Island. “The Alliance for Coney Island was delighted to collaborate with State Senator Savino, Assemblymember Brook-Krasny, New York City Councilmember Mark Treyger and local stakeholders to provide a free event for the community.”

Children 15 years old and under lined up outside the park that’s home to the Brooklyn Cyclones and Brooklyn Bolts at 11 a.m. and were treated to entertainment such as music and trick-or-treating. They even danced to “Thriller.”

Each child was then entered in a costume contest, with Treyger, Founder & Artistic Director of Coney Island USA Dick Zigun, Nate Bliss and others assuming judging duties. The contest encouraged Coney-themed costumes.
Winners for the most creative costumes received prizes. However, nobody walked away empty-handed. Everyone that participated received free goodies such as coloring books and coupons. In addition, the first 1,500 participants also received a two-hour wristband for Luna Park.

After the winners of the contest were announced, the costumed kids and their families walked walk the Boardwalk from MCU to Luna Park.

Zaki is impressed by the continued growth of the popular event. “The parade was larger than ever before, and I think that really demonstrates how important this family-friendly event is for the many locals and visitors who want to enjoy the beach and boardwalk before the winter,” she said.