For many in the Mile Square City there’s a little parade on the first Saturday of March that spooks the town. But, for those with mini-goblins, it’s the Ragamuffin Parade on Halloween that’s really scary.

In the afternoon of October 31st on the north end of Washington Street, you will see imaginations, movies and shows come to life with help from costumes – hand-made and store-bought. Some make it a family affair, like my daughter who orchestrated a group theme with costumes of characters from Dora the Explorer last year for her sister, my husband and I.

There are witches, and ghosts and monsters, oh, my! Whatever the costume, marchers (3,000 strong last year) head south to 5th Street then east to Stevens Park every year. It’s there that costumes are rated and scored. But the real prize? Trick or treating your way up Washington Street. Shop keepers hand out thousands of pieces of candy to the kids before they begin round two of tricks and treats in their own neighborhood.

For more info: www.hobokennj.org/rag-a-muffin-parade/

Photos by Peter Baracskai