Crowds line Borough of West Chester for annual Halloween parade

WEST CHESTER, Pa. (WPVI) -- Crowds lined Market and Gay Streets in West Chester on Wednesday night for the borough's annual Halloween parade.

"It's a tradition. It happens every year. They know what to expect, and they love coming," said Melanie Dudzenski, of West Chester.

Meagan Buckle, of Exton, brought her young daughter to the event. "It's such a great time. It's so family-friendly, and we love coming."

The parade kicked off at 7 p.m., with the first float featuring West Chester's East Side Little League team, which represented Pennsylvania in the 2026 Little League World Series in Williamsport.

Then, group after group marched by the crowds of people.

Spectators got to hear music from the West Chester University Marching Band and other local high school bands. Various cheerleading and dance teams from around Chester County also participated, as did local cub and Girl Scout troops and local businesses.

Action News caught up with kids who came to the parade dressed in their Halloween costumes.

Owen Kennedy, of West Chester, wore his Tyrese Maxey jersey.

"Really exciting! When all the fire trucks and stuff come, it's really loud," he said.

Siblings Beau and Charlotte Dudzenski dressed up as Harry Potter and Hermione Granger.

Beau said his favorite part of the parade is "taking pictures with the trash truck."

Big sister Charlotte told Action News she was so excited to see the parade pass her.

Their mom, Melanie, said, "Nobody else does anything like this. It's cool that they bring everyone out. The kids run wild and have a ton of fun."

Speaking about the beloved tradition, Emmett Mauer, who lives in West Chester borough, said, "It's the first kind of holiday that brings everybody together, so I think it's huge for the city."

Wednesday night's event kicked off parade season in West Chester. Next up is the Christmas Parade on December 4.