Mystics set for eighth annual Halloween Parade

Beads, T-shirts, stuffed animals and footballs will fly through the air as the annual Mystics of Mountain Brook parade processes through Crestline Village on Halloween day starting at 4 p.m.

“We started eight years ago with our Halloween parade,” said Casey Wright Horn, a Mobile native who started the parade with her brother, Trent. “We both missed Mardi Gras badly and thought this was a great way to bring a little Mardi Gras to Mountain Brook.”

The event, which began with one car driving down Dexter Avenue, now features more than 23 floats, Mountain Brook High School cheerleaders, MBJH Spartanettes, seventh grade dance team and cheerleaders, a roller derby team, Birmingham Belles and Mayor Terry Oden in his antique fire truck.

The current parade route descends down Dan Watkins Drive in front of the library and Tot Lot, and then down Church Street. After taking a right on Euclid Avenue and a right on Vine Street, the parade ends on Vine Street near Crestline Elementary. The parade usually lasts about 45 minutes.

The money raised after expenses are covered has gone to various needs in the city, as determined by parade participants. This year the funds will go toward the Mountain Brook Beautification Fund.

New this year, Mafiaoza’s will hold a costume contest and pizza party starting at 5:30 p.m. The child winner will receive a candy prize, and the adult winner will receive a $300 gift certificate to Mafiaoza’s.