Northalsted Halloween Parade draws thousands

Chicago, IL - Dubbed the "Mad Hatter's Ball", thousands lined Halsted Street Saturday evening to view children, pets, costumes and Master of Ceremonies Miss Foozie as the Queen of Hearts in the 13th annual Halloween Parade sponsored by the Triangle Neighbors Association and the Northalsted Business Alliance.

Scores of entrants competed for prizes, with State Representative Sara Feigenholtz (D-13th) among the judges for categories that included Drag, Most Original, Scariest and Best costume related to the "Mad Hatter's Ball" theme.

The Chicago Spirit Brigade also performed on the main stage at Roscoe and Halsted while Two Lights Theater Company transformed Space Park, 815-817 W. Roscoe St, into Wonderland.

Chilly weather, fortunately void of rain, did not seem to deter the diverse crowd, some in costume, some not, from enjoying the festivities.

Local merchants were obviously pleased with the turnout and resulting business, even as the recession looms for many.

ChicagoPride.com was a media sponsor of this event.