By Katie Engesser
The season of scary monsters and dastardly villains is finally at hand but in Brooklyn, kids are more happy than horrified.
It’s all because of the Ragamuffin parade, an annual tradition that brings the Bay Ridge neighborhood together for some family fun a few weeks before Halloween.
From comic book heroes to heroes in uniform, and even some major historical figures – kids are encouraged to dress in their most creative costumes.
The march down Third Avenue began over half a century ago. Former Pastor of Our Lady of Angels, Father James McKenna, thought the parade could be an alternative to door-to-door trick or treating.
But there was only one rule for participation – costumes must be homemade, nothing purchased from a store. Many kids wore their parent’s clothes and the parade got the name “Ragamuffin.”
Now decades later, thousands take part. It’s a tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. The yearly parade is always a top favorite for the kids of Brooklyn.