WRJ's Own, The Original, Accept NO Substitutes!
That's right everyone! Step right up, folks! Step right up!
Are you tired of high prices and fancy-pants events?
Well, do we have a deal for YOU!
Introducing the amazing, the fantastic, the one-of-a-kind Super-Saver - Deluxe Halloween in White River Junction like you've never seen!
It’s sleek, it’s practical, and best of all—it’s incredibly AFFORDA-BALL! But wait, there’s more!
Not one event, not two events, BUT THREE EVENTS in one day!
It’s the best deal since sliced bread (that Chico will use to make into his famous grilled cheeses at the Ball). You don’t want to miss out!
The Gory Daze Parade & Events started as a fun thing to do amongst a few friends in 2002. And now, our we are in our 21st year! (We missed one year due to covid). What started as a small, humble event, has turned into WRJ's BIGGEST night of the year! It's not uncommon for 1,000 revelers to dance through the streets of White River Junction on the Saturday before Halloween! Scroll down to see some wonderful art from the history of our amazing past GORY DAZE! It will give you a taste of WRJ's scariest, craziest, event. But you really never 'get it' until you GO!
WHY DO WE ASK FOR MONEY?
Donations help us pay for the musicians who play before the parade (Western Terrestrials), musicians who lead the parade (Brass Balagan), Artists who perform during the parade and DJs and bands for the Ball . It also pays for insurance, our Hartford Police escorts. Oh, and candy & donuts on strings. The Upper Valley is full of creative, talented, fun people! We have a great community and like to celebrate that community. Please help make GORY DAZE fun for everyone if you can by donating what you can. (Donations over $150 will get a spot on the coveted poster! - But we need your donation and logo before September 25th).
GORY DAZE SCHEDULE
Saturday, October 26, 2024
Downtown White River Junction, VT
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5:30 Right before the Gory Daze happenings, at 5:30 JAM (5 South Main St. WRJ) will be hosting their annual Halloween-O-Thon event featuring short horror films by local filmmakers. if you're into homegrown indie movies, swing by if you are not going to the Trunk or Treat! https://uvjam.org/halloween-o-thon-competition/
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6:30pm-7:45pm Come on over the bridge after Hartford's Trunk or Treat for a family friendly Pre-Parade Party at the Main Street Museum. with Western Terrestrials and a bonfire. This is a FREE event! (but donations are always accepted) I hear there are gonna be monsters!!!
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7:45pm Parade Line-up at the Main Street Museum 58 Bridge St. WRJ, VT
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8:00pm Parade Departs led by the Amazing Brass Balagan!
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9:00pm The AFFORDA-BALL! This year's ball is at the Briggs Opera House at 5 South Main Street in WRJ, with entertainment being provided by the B-52.0's! (A B-52 cover band from the Boston area) & DJ GenderEnder. Admission: $10. at the door. Cash bar available with ID.
More details...
PRE-PARADE MADNESS
Family Friendly Pre-Parade gathering for a bonfire and dance.
The Western Terrestrials invade the Main Street Museum Stage around 6:30ish.
Who knows what monsters lurk around the corners of the MSM?
We will have traditional treats, & rumor has it there will be a MONSTER SAFARI this year!
THE PARADE
Every year, on or before Halloween, The Rio Blanco Social Club invites everyone from White River Junction and beyond to join together for a costume parade through the village. This year (back by popular demand), the parade will be led by the Brass Balagan! Klezmer music at its best! Yes, I said Klezmer.
The parade starts at the Main Street Museum (58 Bridge Street) and marches under the railroad, down South Main past Grow Pro and Putnam's Vineyard, Back down South Main and over to St. Anthony's Catholic Church; ending at the Briggs Opera House on South Main. Roads are flat, paved with only one incline (Going under the Bridge St. Bridge). The total length is .09 mile. The parade usually takes about 40 minutes.
Costumes are encouraged and the more home grown the better! Hand pushed floats are also welcomed. (No cars). The parade is great for kids and adults alike. We love that more people participate than watch by the sidelines! Because EVERYONE is welcome in the Junction!
The AFFORDA-BALL!
They say nothing in this world is affordable anymore...well, until now! This year's AFFORDA-BALL is going to be at the Briggs Opera House on South Main with the B-52.0's and DJ GenderEnder! Look for your coupon for a discount entry! They just may be hidden all over town! (Hint...check out those sponsors!)
Entrance is $10 at the door. A cash bar will be available if you have an ID.
The sponsors of this year's Parade & Ball are the following amazing folks!
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Center for Cartoon Studies
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Hidden Grove
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Lampscapes
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Main Street Museum
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National LGBTQ Hotline
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Revolution
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Grow Pro
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Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce
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Yankee Bookshop
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Co-op Food Stores
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Quel
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Black Moon
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Putnam's Vineyard
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Nancy The Girl
Amazing Art from Posters of the Past
2022 photos by Kim Sousa and Jon Gilbert Fox