10/31/2026
A question came up in a local FB group about Halloween parades in Millburn. We used to have them--and they were huge. The parades, sponsored by the Millburn Fire Department, was established by Battalion Chief Edward O'Brien in 1949. There were 400 participants that first year, with prizes awarded in 5 groups. The parade began at the Fire Station and ended at the Municipal Parking Lot on Essex Street The parades grew in size over the years, with a record 2,000 youngsters marching in 1975, accompanied by the MHS Marching Band and floats. Still popular during the 1980s, the parades averaged around 1,000 participants, and costume judging was moved to the High School gym. Despite dwindling numbers, Millburn still had awesome Halloween parades throughout the 1990s. In 2010, the Halloween parade moved to Taylor Park and was a much smaller affair. The last Halloween parade in the park took place in 2016. Here are a few glimpses of the parade through the decades.
Township of Millburn, Explore Millburn-Short Hills, Millburn Township Public Schools, Millburn Professional Firefighters FMBA Local 32
