Sponsors Step Up, Plan for Halloween Parade in Pottstown

September 27, 2023

POTTSTOWN PA – Don’t count out the possibility of a Halloween parade this year in Pottstown.

The parade, which The Pottstown Mercury newspaper earlier this month reported had been canceled “due to rising costs and diminished donations,” is now scheduled to be held Oct. 22 (2023; Sunday) from 4-5 p.m., on High Street between North Adams and York streets in the borough.

Staging the parade, however, hinges on the approval of Borough Council. It’s due to meet next Wednesday (Oct. 4).

The Pottstown Rotary Club has long been the parade sponsor, but its costs have spiked as outside contributions declined. The non-profit, community-oriented club projected a significant deficit to hold the event this year, and notified the borough it would be unable to continue.

Several community organizations have stepped in to fill the void, according to the Pottstown Parks and Recreation Department in an announcement released Tuesday (Sept. 26).

The Hobart’s Run neighborhood group will serve as the parade’s official organizer. “Generous” sponsorship donations have already been offered by it, as well as the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation, The Hill School, state Sen. Tracy Pennycuick, state Rep. Joe Ciresi, and Tower Health, the department said. Department employees are assisting the organizers, it added.

Assuming borough council grants permission, the parade is expected to feature a variety of community organizations and businesses. In fact, that’s exactly what Hobart’s Run and the department hope for. They are publicly asking local organizations, businesses, clubs, and congregations to consider participating as costumed groups, performers, and float organizers.

Want to join the fun? There is no participation fee, the department noted, but paraders must register ahead of time. To do that, see the department’s online “2023 Halloween Parade Group Registration” page, and click its “Register” button. Got questions? Call the department directly at 610-970-6618.

“Pottstown is looking forward to seeing your community spirit,” it said, “so get out there and get involved.” Report time for participants on Oct. 22 is 3 p.m., at the corner of High and Baily streets.

There’s more good news for parade watchers. They can expect the event will start promptly at 4 p.m. That means everyone “will be home in plenty of time to see the Eagles kick-off,” the department promised.