JACKSON HEIGHTS — While many New Yorkers will be celebrating at the massive and popular Village Halloween Parade this year, some of the city's pint-sized residents will be having their own parade in Queens.
Kids, neighbors and businesses in Jackson Heights will put on their scariest costumes for the 23rd annual Jackson Heights Halloween Parade on Oct. 31., the largest children's Halloween parade in the city.
The Jackson Heights Beautification Group, which organized the parade, estimate around 5,000 people are likely to line 37th Avenue from 89th to 77th streets to watch the festivities.
"Everybody participates," said Ed Westley, president of the beautification group. "All nationalities, all religions. It's really an example of how a diverse community can come together."
Last year, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Council Speaker Christine Quinn both showed up to march, and Westley says he expects them to join the parade again, alongside local politicians like Councilman Daniel Dromm, State Sen. Jose Peralta and Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras.
But the kids are the real stars of the parade. This year, marching bands from I.S. 145 and I.S. 230 will be performing as part of the festivities.
And at the end of the parade, all the young marchers be able to get their hands on one of 3,000 goodie bags donated by local businesses.
"It's really home grown," Westley said.
The 23rd annual Jackson Heights Halloween Parade starts Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. Those expected to march should line up at 4:30 p.m. at 89th street.
