80th Bartow Community Halloween Parade & Carnival 2024

Bartow Community Halloween Parade & Carnival is back for its 80th edition, promising a night filled with excitement, creativity, and family-friendly fun.

This long-standing event, hosted by the Crickette Club of Bartow and local organizers, brings together residents and visitors for a memorable Halloween celebration.

Table of Contents

If you’re planning to attend or participate, here’s everything you need to know to enjoy the festivities to the fullest.

Bartow Halloween Parade Date, Time and Location etc

Event Name: 80th Bartow Community Halloween Parade & Carnival
Date: Thursday, October 24, 2024
Time: Parade starts at 4:00 PM, carnival begins at 5:00 PM
Location: Parade starts at Main Street and First Avenue and ends at Mosaic Park
Admission: Free to watch the parade; registration fees apply for participants.

This community-centered event will proceed rain or shine, making it a reliable annual tradition.

The parade offers an opportunity to enjoy creative floats, local performances, and festive costumes, followed by a carnival with food trucks, games, and activities at Mosaic Park.

Bartow Halloween Parade Schedule and Events

1. Pre-Parade Line-Up

Time: 3:00 PM

Participants must arrive early to line up along First Avenue, close to the well-known Chicken Shack. It’s crucial for everyone to be on time to ensure the parade starts smoothly.

Organizers carefully coordinate the lineup to avoid any delays or confusion. Groups, floats, and performers must be in their designated places before the parade begins.

Volunteers will guide participants and monitor the line to keep everything organized. Proper preparation helps maintain the parade’s flow, giving each participant an equal chance to shine.

Early arrival also allows performers to make final adjustments to costumes or props.

2. Parade Procession

Start Time: 4:00 PM

The parade begins at Main Street and First Avenue, winding through the heart of Bartow before finishing at Mosaic Park. The procession features a spectacular array of floats, dance teams, local school bands, and creative costumes.

It celebrates the community spirit and highlights the creativity of residents, businesses, and organizations. Spectators line the streets, cheering and enjoying the performances.

The route’s scenic path ensures every participant is seen and appreciated. This festive atmosphere promotes interaction among community members while showcasing Bartow’s traditions and Halloween charm.

3. Carnival and Costume Contest

Start Time: 5:00 PM

Once the parade reaches Mosaic Park, the fun continues with a lively carnival featuring a variety of food trucks, games, and attractions for all ages.

Tickets for games and rides can be purchased using cash or cards, ensuring convenience for attendees. At 5:30 PM, registration opens for the costume contest, which officially starts at 6:00 PM.

Participants compete in multiple categories, with prizes awarded for the most creative and spooky outfits. This part of the event encourages family involvement and adds a competitive yet friendly spirit to the festivities.

Registration Information for Parade Participants

Participation in the Bartow Halloween Parade is open to individuals, groups, and businesses. Registering ensures a spot in the parade and makes participants eligible for prizes awarded during the event.

Fees:
1. $25 for individuals, groups, and businesses
2. $50 for politicians and political groups
3. Free entry for non-profits, public schools, and government agencies
How to Register:
Visit the official registration page on Main Street Bartow’s website to fill out the form. Spaces are limited, so early registration is highly recommended to secure a spot and allow time for float preparation.

Registration also gives participants access to additional resources and guidelines for decorating floats. If you have questions or need assistance, the event organizers encourage you to reach out through the contact details on the registration page.

Bartow Halloween Parade Highlights 2024

1. Family-Friendly Rules

The Bartow Halloween Parade emphasizes safety and inclusiveness to ensure a positive experience for all attendees. Candy may not be thrown from floats for safety reasons but can be handed out by walkers aged 12 and up along the parade route.

All costumes and float decorations must align with a family-friendly theme, ensuring the event remains enjoyable for participants of all ages. This rule encourages fun, creativity, and inclusivity while fostering a safe environment.

Spectators can also engage with walkers for a more interactive experience. Following these guidelines ensures everyone can enjoy the festivities responsibly.

2. Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteers play a crucial role in making the Bartow Halloween Parade & Carnival a successful community event. Assistance is needed at booths, lost-and-found, traffic management, and clean-up efforts to keep the event running smoothly.

Volunteering offers a great opportunity for students and community members to earn service hours while being part of a festive atmosphere. Event organizers welcome volunteers of all ages and provide detailed instructions for each role.

In addition to gaining hands-on experience, volunteers can enjoy the carnival after their shift, fostering community spirit and personal involvement.

3. Games, Food, and Prizes

Mosaic Park will host a lively carnival after the parade, featuring food trucks, games, and entertainment for all ages. Attendees can enjoy snacks, beverages, and traditional fair food, with both cash and card payments accepted for convenience.

Carnival games and activity booths provide fun for children and families, adding to the excitement of the evening. Throughout the event, prizes will be awarded for the best costumes, creative floats, and more, encouraging participants to put forth their most imaginative efforts.

This combination of games, food, and prizes creates a festive environment where families can celebrate together.

Conclusion

80th Bartow Community Halloween Parade & Carnival is a beloved local tradition that promises fun, entertainment, and community spirit.

Whether you’re joining the parade, participating in the costume contest, or enjoying the carnival games at Mosaic Park, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

With a variety of activities and volunteer opportunities, this event brings together families, businesses, and community groups for a festive evening.

Mark your calendars for October 24, 2024, and get ready for an unforgettable night in downtown Bartow!

FAQs

Are pets allowed in the parade?

Pets are not specifically mentioned as part of the event guidelines. However, participants should contact the organizers through the Main Street Bartow website for specific rules regarding animals in the parade to ensure safety and compliance.

What safety rules are in place during the parade?

For safety, candy cannot be thrown from floats but may be handed out by walkers aged 12 and up. All floats and costumes must follow family-friendly themes to maintain a welcoming atmosphere. Volunteers and organizers monitor the route to ensure smooth operations and safety for all attendees.

What can I expect at the Mosaic Park carnival?

The carnival at Mosaic Park will feature food trucks, games, and entertainment for all ages. Games and rides accept both cash and card payments. Attendees can enjoy snacks, participate in activities, and compete for prizes throughout the evening.