Following the pattern set in Toms River, South Toms River, Pine Beach and Ocean Gate in deference to the October 31 Toms River Halloween Parade, Beachwood officials shift trick-or-treating one day earlier, to Friday, October 30.

Photo by Mike Thees
Photo by Mike Thees
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The date of the parade marks a return to its longstanding tradition of marching on October 31, after getting mixed results in staging it on Saturdays near Halloween.

Beachwood residents who sought the move cited concerns including safety, increased traffic complications, potential scholastic sports conflicts, and reduced time to enjoy the full parade, according to a report in the Riverside Signal. They mounted a strong offensive through social media.

In response, Beachwood Mayor Ron Roma issued the following:

To all Beachwood Residents:

As many of you are aware Halloween trick or treating has become a very popular subject this year in Beachwood and we have received numerous requests to move trick or treat to October 30th to coincide with our surrounding communities and school district.

Although we did not intend to have our decision to keep trick or treating on the 31st offend anyone, we apparently did. So, in response to numerous requests to have trick or treat on October 30th  we have decided to grant that request for this year as well as to formally announce that we will be having trick or treat on October 30th in the future as well to coincide with the Toms River Halloween Parade.

We hope that all of our children and families have a happy and Safe Halloween.

Beachwood Mayor & Council

The Toms River Halloween Parade, which is overseen by volunteers in the township's Fire Company One, dates back 78 years as of 2015, and is perenially considered one of the largest events of its kind in New Jersey.

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