(Host) The bands have been practicing and the float builders have been busy decorating for tonight’s Halloween parade in Rutland.
The annual event attracts 10,000 to 15,000 people – weather permitting.
And, as VPR’s Nina Keck reports, this year’s is expected to be the biggest one yet.
(Keck) Ann Blake is marketing director for the Rutland City Parks and Recreation Department, which runs the annual parade.
(Blake) "This year we have over 90 entries which is the most in the history of the parade. And that’s 90."
(Keck) Rutland held its first Halloween parade in 1960 and the yearly event has taken on a life of its own.
Blake says 60 to 70 employees from the city’s fire, police, public works and recreation departments all take part.
(Blake) "This is the largest Halloween parade in New England and perhaps the Northeast. And we have more and more floats and also a lot more creativity. People are taking months and months to plan and actually build their floats. There are some people who start on the day after the parade thinking about what their float will be next year. And you can’t believe it until you’ve been there. It’s really an amazing parade and it’s a great night."
(Keck) Tonight’s festivities start at 6:30. If you plan to be there – organizers recommend you come early.
For VPR News, I’m Nina Keck in Rutland.