PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The city's historic Halloween parade rises from the dead this year with a Hollywood theme.

On Monday, the Department of Community Development Recreation Program announced that the "Spooky Hollywood" parade will be held on Friday, Oct. 25, at 7 p.m. on Tyler Street.

Aside from the usual ghouls, goblins, and superheroes, there will be an abundance of spooky pop culture icons. Think the Sanderson Sisters from "Hocus Pocus," Michael Myers from the "Halloween" franchise, or even Casper the Friendly Ghost.

"Participants are encouraged to base their float designs, decorations, and/or costumes around their favorite Halloween movie," the department wrote. "Every school and community/civic group is encouraged to participate in this great Pittsfield tradition."

This will be the 78th Halloween parade in the city. It was originally held on North Street and was moved to Tyler Street in 2011.  

Trick-or-treat is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 31, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. rain or shine. Participants are asked to leave their porch or exterior light on.

Every parade unit needs to review the application packet posted on the city website and a representative from interested parties must attend a float seminar on Thursday, Sept. 26, at 6 p.m. in Room 203 at City Hall.

The deadline for completed forms is Friday, Oct. 11.

A new participant meeting will also be held on Oct. 22 at 6 p.m. in Room 203 at City Hall.

The popular event returned from a COVID-19 hiatus in 2022 and attracted about 5,000 people for the spooky procession and float contest.

In 2020, Pittsfield Community Television teamed up with the city's Recreation Program for a television event to air in place of the canceled parade. It aired "Haunted Streets: A Celebration of 25 Years of Halloween Parades" in place of live coverage and looked back at some of the best floats and moments of the past 25 years of PCTV's parade coverage.

In 2021, the city hosted virtual Halloween contests for costumes, pumpkin decorating, and home decorations.

For more information, contact the Department of Community Development at 413-499-9371 or parks@cityofpittsfield.org.