Downtown Findlay is set to come alive Tuesday night, October 27, as the annual Cops & Kids Halloween Parade rolls down South Main Street. The parade, presented by loanDepot, begins at 7:00 p.m. and honors the theme “250 Years of American Champions,” highlighting the nation’s historic achievements and community spirit.
Schedule and Activities
Festivities kick off at 6:00 p.m. with the YMCA Great Pumpkin Playoff held in the Great Lakes Toyota Subaru Entertainment Zone. A live broadcast of the event starts at 6:30 p.m. on the UFTV YouTube channel and the Fort Findlay FOP Lodge #20 Foundation Facebook page, allowing residents who cannot attend in person to join the celebration.
The parade itself will showcase a variety of marching bands, decorated floats, and participants in creative Halloween costumes. Community champions—local volunteers, first‑responders and youth groups—will also be highlighted throughout the route.
Family‑Friendly Features
Families can enjoy a range of food options at the Romick Wealth Concepts Food Truck Park located at St. Mark’s Church, as well as the McGuire & Sons Trucking Candy Drop Zone, which offers treats for children of all ages. For families seeking a quieter experience, a sensory‑friendly Quiet Zone, sponsored by Millstream Area Credit Union, provides a calm space away from the main parade crowds.
Traffic and Safety
Organizers remind residents that streets along and surrounding the parade route will be closed to regular traffic for the duration of the event. Drivers are encouraged to plan alternate routes and allow extra travel time. Local law‑enforcement officers will be on hand to manage traffic flow and ensure a safe environment for participants and spectators.
Supporting the Cops & Kids Champion Fund
All proceeds from the parade will benefit the Cops & Kids Champion Fund, a program dedicated to strengthening relationships between young people and law‑enforcement officers throughout Hancock County. The fund also provides assistance to officers and their families in times of need, reinforcing the community’s commitment to public safety and youth development.
Additional details, including parade maps, street‑closure information and real‑time updates, are available on the official website at copsandkidsfindlay.org. Residents are encouraged to review the information ahead of time to ensure a smooth and enjoyable evening for all.
Looking Ahead
The Findlay Halloween Parade has become a beloved annual tradition, drawing crowds from across the region and showcasing the city’s vibrant community spirit. With its focus on family, faith, and patriotic pride, the event aligns with the values that make Findlay a strong, close‑knit hometown.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
