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
• 6:30pm-7:45pm Come on over the bridge after Hartford's Trunk or Treat for family friendly Pre-Parade Party at the MSM with Western Terrestrials and a bonfire. This is a FREE event! (Yes, donuts on strings and candy too!)
• 7:45pm Parade Line-up in front of The Main Street MUSEUM in Veterans Park
• 8:00pm Parade Departs led by the Brass Balagan!
• 9:00pm The AFFORDA-BALL! At the Briggs Opera House! This years entertainment provided by the B-52.0's! (A B-52 cover band from the Boston area) Admission: $10. at the door. Cash bar available
PRE-PARADE MADNESS
Family Friendly Pre-Parade gathering for a bonfire and dance.
The Western Terrestrials invade the MAIN Stage around 6ish.
Who knows what monsters lurk around the corners of the MSM?
We will have traditional treats and of course, Chico's donuts on
strings! Try biting one of those in a mask! Rumor has it there will be a
MONSTER Safari at the Museum this year!
THE PARADE
Every year, on or before Halloween, White River Junction and friends from all over the Upper Valley join together in the best costume parade through the village. This year (back by popular demand), the parade will be led by the Brass Balagan! Klezmer music at it's best! Yes, I said Klezmer.
The parade starts at the Main Street Museum (58 Bridge Street) and marches
under the railroad, around the village and end at the Hotel Coolidge on South Main.
Costumes are encouraged and the more home grown the better! Hand pushed floats are also welcomed. 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!
ROUTE
The parade starts in front of The Main Street Museum and winds its way around downtown with a Hartford PD escort for safety. The roads are flat, paved with no steep inclines. The total length is .08 mile. The parade usually takes about 45 minutes.
The AFFORDA-BALL!
This year's BALL is going to be at the Briggs Opera House on South Main with
the B-52.0's!
Entrance is $10 at the door. A cash bar will be available if you have ID.
Keep an eye out downtown for some COUPONS to get a discount on your entry!
Amazing Art from Posters of the Past
2022 photos by Kim Sousa and Jon Gilbert Fox