Safety Barriers to Be Installed for Salem’s Haunted Happenings Grand Parade

Spectators who attend the Haunted Happenings Grand Parade in Salem next week will encounter safety barriers lining the parade route. The installation of the barriers, a first for the parade, is part of enhanced security measures. These measures are being implemented in the wake of the New Orleans New Year's Eve attack in 2024 and other terrorist attacks at public gatherings worldwide over the past several years.

According to a Patch of Salem report, the Salem Chamber of Commerce, hosts of the Grand Parade on Oct. 2, said that crossing points, which will be open before the parade begins, will be monitored by parade volunteers. Once the parade starts, spectators will not be able to cross the parade route until after the last float has come by.

A designated reunification point for parents and children participating in the parade will be at Salem Common's light tower.

Road closures for the parade will begin around 4 p.m. on parade day and will last longer than usual to accommodate the removal of the safety barriers. Spectators and parade participants are encouraged to walk to downtown Salem on parade day, as parking options are limited.

The Patch reported that more than 15,000 attendees are expected for the parade, which kicks off at 6:30 p.m.

The theme for this year's parade, "Stronger Together – The Magic of Us," celebrates creativity and community.

Parade Grand Marshalls include actors from the hit classic Hocus Pocus: Omri Katz, Vinessa Shaw, Tobias Jelinek, Larry Bagby, and Jason Marsden. The celebration will also feature Halloween dance music spun by Cheetah DJ & Photography on Salem Common until 8:30 p.m.