Parade of fundraisers for city's favorite fright night begins: Join the march to Halloween

PORTSMOUTH - As soon as that cool tinge touches the night air, dusk begins falling sooner every night and orange moons begin to rise in the sky, visions of the Halloween Parade begin to dance in the imaginations of Seacoast folk.

The 27th annual Portsmouth Halloween Parade, the area's premier fright night, will take to the city's streets this year on Monday, Oct. 31 at 7 p.m. That means preparations are in full swing, elaborate costumes are in production, and the fundraising through fun events is beginning.

"There's a common misconception that the city of Portsmouth puts the parade on and that could not be further from the truth," said Jonathan Day, a longtime Halloween Parade organizer. "We have to pay to put on the parade. That means we have to raise $10,000 to $15,000, which we raise primarily during the six weeks leading up to the parade.".

The Portsmouth Thriller dance group practices its performance before marching in the 26th Portsmouth Halloween Parade Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021.
The Portsmouth Thriller dance group practices its performance before marching in the 26th Portsmouth Halloween Parade Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021.

The all-volunteer team that produces the Halloween Parade raises money at an ever-growing slate of events, through a raffle and by selling merchandise from T-shirts to travel cups with fresh artwork each year.

"This is the community's parade. It's grassroots grown and the community enjoys the inclusivity of it," said Monte Bohanan, another longtime Halloween Parade organizer. "If you're a fan of the parade, you have to support the parade. We all love to howl, hoot and slither around the town."

One of the first in the march of events leading up to the parade actually raises something just as important as money: volunteers, known as minions in parade parlance.

The Portsmouth Thriller dance group practices their performance before marching in the 26th annual Portsmouth Halloween Parade on Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021.
The Portsmouth Thriller dance group practices their performance before marching in the 26th annual Portsmouth Halloween Parade on Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021.

Volunteer for Halloween Parade at Minion Mixer

The parade could not happen without its minions. On Wednesday, Sept. 21 from 7 to 10 p.m., there'll be a Minion Mixer: Beats with Benefits at the Wilder in Portsmouth. This is a chance for volunteers to learn about the parade, check out the events planned for this season and sign up for a shift or two or many. There'll be treats and a few tricks for attendees. As part of the Beats with Benefits series at the Wilder, a portion of proceeds from the partying benefits the parade.

Halloween Parade organizers are always "looking for new blood," according to Bohanan and Day. Volunteers are needed for the fundraising events in coming weeks and on the night of the parade when volunteers serve as marshals to augment security during the parade and along the parade route.

If you want to volunteer, but cannot make the Minion Mixer, email your interest to portsmouthhalloweenparade@gmail.com.

Outdoor screening of 'The Shining' at Liar's Bench

On Friday, Sept. 23, at 8 p.m., there'll be an outdoor movie at Liar's Bench Beer Company on Islington Street in Portsmouth. The fright of this night is provided by the 1980 film, "The Shining." The screening will take place in the parking lot so bring a lawn chair. There will be beer, raffles and classic PHP hoodies to keep you warm and raise money for the parade.

17th (I Gotta) Rock! Show

On Saturday, Oct. 1, The 17th (I Gotta) Rock! Show will take over the Press Room in Portsmouth. Doors open at 7 p.m. for the 8 p.m. 21-plus show featuring three bands.

The annual tradition continues as The Rock Show event will include the much anticipated announcement of the parade's 2022 Grand Marshal, more raffles and prizes, and live music. The lineup will include Zorp, Holden Brown and the Wishes and Feverslip. Tickets are $10 to $15 and available at eventbrite.com/e/the-17th-annual-i-gotta-rock-show-tickets-414276922427.

Also at the (I Gotta) Rock! Show, this year's Portsmouth Halloween Parade merchandise will be available for the first time featuring new artwork by local artist Matt Talbot.

People gather downtown to watch the 26th Portsmouth Halloween Parade Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021.
People gather downtown to watch the 26th Portsmouth Halloween Parade Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021.

Not wanting to keep all the fun in Portsmouth, parade organizers are sharing the love with Kittery in an event on Monday, Oct. 3 at the Corner Pub. The Bartenders After Dark Mixology Contest will pit several local bartenders against each other in a cocktail competition.

On Oct. 12, there'll be a fundraising night at the Flatbread Company on Congress Street in Portsmouth with a portion of dinner proceeds benefiting the parade. The next night, on Oct. 13, there'll be a Scaryoke session at the Daniel Street Pub in Portsmouth.

On Oct. 22, the annual Pumpkin Smash will take place at the Portsmouth Farmers Market. For a donation to the parade, you can take out all your frustrations about pumpkin spice with a pumpkin and sledge hammer in a safe space.

A Book & Bar Undead Beat Night is set for Oct. 27 at the bar on Pleasant Street in Portsmouth. There are also a few new special events planned whose details still need to be worked out. Check out the Portsmouth Halloween Parade's Facebook page @whatareyougonnabe  or sign up for their mailing list to get updates at portsmouthhalloweenparade.org.

Parade organizer Monte Bohanan kneels before grand marshal Holly Chandler Cook during the 26th Portsmouth Halloween Parade Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021.
Parade organizer Monte Bohanan kneels before grand marshal Holly Chandler Cook during the 26th Portsmouth Halloween Parade Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021.

How do I donate to the Portsmouth Halloween Parade?

Anyone can make a monetary donation to the parade on its website at portsmouthhalloweenparade.org or you can purchase parade merchandise there, too.

Local businesses each year shower the parade with great products and services to raffle off at the fundraising events. If you'd like to donate a raffle prize, text raffle organizer Melissa Punska at 207-337-5141.

Visit portsmouthhalloweenparade.org for more information.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Portsmouth NH Halloween Parade begins fundraising