COLUMBIA — Columbia’s oldest autumn tradition takes to the streets Thursday night, and this year the town itself is the theme.
The 79th annual Mardi Gras “Halloween” Parade steps off at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, from the Columbia Borough Fire Department at 10th and Manor streets. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Our Roots: Columbia 300th and America 250th Year Anniversaries,” tying the parade to the borough’s tricentennial and the nation’s semiquincentennial.
The parade is held every year on the fourth Thursday in October. It is sponsored by the Columbia Lions Club and the Sunsnappers.
Spectators can expect high school and community bands, floats, baton groups, fire companies and local businesses. As always, a steam calliope will bring up the rear.
The Lions Club is offering up to $2,000 in cash prizes for the best floats, walking groups and individual participants. The parade is divided into five divisions, each sponsored by local businesses and organizations. Dozens of area businesses, clubs and civic groups are listed as 2026 sponsors.
One rule for families to know: candy may not be thrown from floats or vehicles. Marchers walking along the curb line will hand it out instead.
The weather may cooperate. Local forecasts have called for mostly pleasant, dry conditions for late-October parades across the region.
