Ragamuffin Parade and Halloween Spooktacular

By Jennifer Ersalesi

Rutherford begins its Halloween festivities this upcoming weekend with the Ragamuffin Parade and continues on Thursday evening with the Rutherford Halloween Spooktacular.

One of the participants in last year's indoor Ragamuffin Parade

The Ragamuffin Parade has been an annual tradition in Rutherford for the last forty-four years. This year the Rutherford Recreation Department's Ragamuffin Parade will take place on Saturday, October 26th. Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. at Rutherford High School on 56 Elliot Place. All of the participants will march from Elliot Place to Lincoln Park. If there is rain, the parade will take place in the Rutherford High School Auditorium.

Once all the participants arrive at Lincoln Park, they will walk a few laps around the park so that the judges (students from Felician University’s Ladies Falcons Basketball Team) can determine the top 12 costumes. While at Lincoln Park, children in costume will receive trick or treat bags from the Rutherford Recreation Department.

Another participant in the indoor Ragamuffin Parade in 2018

Since 1975, community members of Rutherford have attended the Ragamuffin Parade to watch all the children show off their Halloween costumes. The Rutherford Recreation Department invites everyone to attend the parade this upcoming weekend.

On October 30, the 6th Annual Rutherford Spooktacular will take place at Memorial Park and Tryon Field. Starting at 5 p.m, there will be carnival games, a selfie station and a vintage fire truck with candy and treats. Attendees are encouraged to wear costumes without weapons.

From 5 p.m. until dusk there will be a non-spooky hayride, character photo opportunities, a bounce house, and a trackless train.

Beginning at dusk, there will be a scary hayride, which is not recommended for young children or those that are frightened easily. The darker the evening gets, the scarier the events that will take place. This hayride will conclude at 9 pm.

Refreshments will be sold by Rutherford High School students with proceeds going toward Project Graduation and will be available at the Snack Shack at Tryon Field.

The Rutherford Recreation Department recommends that families with children and/or young adults with special needs should reach out to the Spooktacular volunteers to help expedite their wait in line.

For six years, the Halloween Spooktacular has been an exciting event for children of all ages and adults in the Rutherford community. The Rutherford Recreation Department invites everyone to participate in a fun-filled evening for all.