(From the Fort Findlay FOP Lodge 20 Foundation)

Findlay’s most magical night of the year is almost here! The 2025 Cops & Kids Findlay Halloween Parade presented by loanDepot will fill south Findlay with costumes, candy, and community spirit on Tuesday, October 21, stepping off at 7 p.m.

All proceeds from the parade benefit the Cops & Kids Champion Fund, which promotes positive interaction between youth and law enforcement and supports law enforcement across Hancock County through the Fort Findlay FOP Lodge #20 Foundation.

Before the parade begins, families are invited to gather for an evening of spooky fun and live entertainment at the Great Pumpkin Playoff, presented in partnership with the Findlay Family YMCA and Ary Entertainment, in the Great Lakes Entertainment Zone at South Main Street and Baldwin Avenue. The YMCA will host a series of games of chance and skill, complete with glow and light-up prizes for lucky winners. Mitch Ary, the official Halloween Hype Man, will keep the crowd moving and grooving with festive tunes to set the tone for the night.

The Great Pumpkin Playoff will conclude with the crowning of this year’s Halloween Parade Queen and King, Lauren Schimmoeller and Alex Bibler.

Following the Great Pumpkin Playoff, parade-goers will enjoy a patriotic opening. Larry Develvis and the United States Marine Corps Color Guard will present the colors as the National Anthem is sung by Summer White. Before the parade reaches State Bank Judges Square, guests will be treated to a lively performance by Findlay First Edition.

Traffic and Parking Information

While the fun is just beginning for spectators, drivers should plan ahead for road closures and parking restrictions in the downtown area.

Parade staging begins at 5:30 p.m., when the route will be secured. Staging areas include:

• South Main Street, south of 6th Street to Fairlawn Place
• Lake Cascades Parkway, from South Main Street to Western Avenue
• Parking lot of Findlay Surgery Center – available for walkers being dropped off

Parking Restrictions
No parking will be allowed starting at 12 p.m. on South Main Street from Lima Street to McPherson Avenue (both sides). Additional no-parking areas beginning at 5 p.m. include:

• South Main Street from Lima Street to Lincoln Street (northbound only)
• East and West Lima Streets from South Main Street to Washington Avenue and South West Street, respectively
• East Street between East Lima Street and East Lincoln Street
• Hancock, First, Second, Third, Glendale, Greenlawn, East McPherson, Seventh, West McPherson, Stadium, Lime, Baldwin, Locust, and Elm Streets (each from South Main Street to the first north/south alley)

Baldwin Avenue (from the alley to South Main Street, including sidewalks) will close at 4 p.m. and remain closed until after the parade. Parking in this area will not be permitted beginning at 4 p.m.

Resident Access
From 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., the Findlay Police Department will accommodate reasonable special travel requests for residents needing access to homes along the parade route. Entry points will be available at South Main Street and Lima Street, and at South Main Street and 6th Street. Requests after 6:30 p.m. will be held until the parade concludes.

For route maps, parade details, and real-time traffic updates, visit https://copsandkidsfindlay.org/.