Get Ready: Halloween Parade Hits Halsted Saturday

By Joseph Erbentraut in Arts & Entertainment on Oct 30, 2009 8:40PM

Well folks, it's that time again to pull on your carefully planned throw together a last-minute costume, load up and stumble down the streets of Boystown for the notoriously zany North Halsted Halloween Parade, which kicks off tomorrow evening. The parade, which typically attracts thousands of participants and spectators, is starting a bit earlier this year - at 6 p.m. - so be sure to prepare accordingly. Drag queen extraordinaire Miss Foozie will emcee the parade, themed "Mad Hatters' Ball," and the Chicago Spirit Brigade will march in addition to performing in the main stage show/costume award ceremony at the parking lot of 7-Eleven (Roscoe & Halsted) at 7 p.m.

Up for grabs in the costume contest are thousands of dollars-worth of prizes, and things have a tendency to get competitive by the looks of past contestants. Registration takes place from 4-6 p.m. at SPIN (800 W. Belmont) for adults and Space Park (815 W. Roscoe) for children and critters.

The day is also chock full of autumnal activities throughout the 'hood to get you in the Halloweenie spirit, including apple bobbing at the Center on Halsted (3656 N. Halsted) from 1-3 p.m. Apple bobbing, huzzah! Best of luck to all costume competitors and all those who brave the chilly (expected low of 37) temperatures to watch the action, which is sure to include its fair share of Bearded? Lady GaGas, Kate Gosselins, Jackos and Balloon Boys.

The 13th Annual North Halsted Halloween Parade, Saturday, October 31, beginning at Addison & Halsted, 6 p.m.