65th Annual Rutland Halloween Parade
October 24, 2026

General Parade Information
Parade at 6:30 PM

Line Up at 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM (based on line up placement)

THERE ARE STREET CLOSURES FOR THIS EVENT. Expect street closures around the downtown area beginning at 4:45 PM and re-opening at approximately 8:30 PM. Limited parking along the parade route on Wales Street, West Street, Strong Ave, and Merchants Row on the day of the parade.

If you plan on being in this year’s parade, please fill out the information below.

Want to help out with the parade? We are looking for volunteers to help with staging entries prior to the parade and support with crowd control during the parade.

The theme again this year is “Halloween” and encourages you to use your imagination.

Entry Rules
All entries must:

Be fully decorated in the Halloween spirit!
Display a sponsor sign (max 30” x 96”) if applicable.
Not exceed 13 feet in height.
Distribute items by hand only (no throwing).
Avoid political or solicitation materials.
Respect the Noise Reduction Policy.
Follow all motor vehicle and safety laws (including helmets where required).

Parade organizers encourage creative, artsy, and entertaining entries! Entries in poor taste may be dismissed.

Political Float Rules:
We allow politicians to participate provided they honor the spirit and intent of this event. Politicking is not considered part of that spirit. Therefore, all participants in the parade must wear a Halloween costume and if a car or float is used, we ask you to dress it up in the “Halloween Spirit.” You may have the candidate's name on the car, float or person, but you may not add words like “vote for”, “elect” or anything similar considered politicking. If the candidate currently holds office, we ask that they use only their name and not include the title of the office they hold. We further ask that you refrain from politicking before, during and after the parade.

Flyers will not be permitted to be distributed; however you may choose to hand out candy. You will need to place it in the bags of the children and under no circumstances will you be allowed to throw or drop candy out towards the crowd. This is a safety concern and will be strictly enforced.

Parade Route
Madison St. & Strongs Ave. to Wales St., left to West St., left onto Merchants Row ending at the plaza. A link to the Parade Map is on this page.

Trophies
Most Original = Superintendent’s Trophy Best Costumed Marching Band

Best in Parade = Mayor’s Trophy Best Costumed Marching Unit

Most Creative = Department Trophy Honorable Mention

Tom Fagan sponsored by Initial Ideas

64th Annual Halloween Parade Winners (2025)

Most Original – Miss Lorraine's School of Dance & Winterfest 2026

Most Original Runner-up – Casella Construction and Casella Waste on Behalf of Wheels for Warmth

Best in Parade – Rutland Regional Medical Center

Best in Parade Runner-up – Alderman's Chevrolet

Most Creative – Atomic Professional Audio, Inc.

Most Creative Runner-up – Bellevue Avenue Haunted House and Mentor Connector

Best Costumed Marching Band – Rutland Town School Band

Best Costumed Marching Band Runner-up – FHU Marching Band

Best Costumed Marching Unit – Drum Journeys of Earth & Cobra Gymnastics

Best Costumed Marching Unit Runner-up – Rutland High School Band

Tom Fagan Award – REACH Healthcare

Honorable Mention – Hunaye
Honorable Mention – Westminster Cracker Company
Honorable Mention – Westside & Poultney Pride

Honorary Mystery Jack O’Lantern – Malik Hines, Boys and Girls Club