NORWICH – Hundreds are expected to line the sidewalks of downtown to catch a glimpse of everything ghastly and fun as the Norwich Family YMCA hosts its annual Halloween Parade at 2 p.m. Saturday.

The longstanding community tradition has brought things that usually go bump in the night into the daylight for just a few moments every year. According to parade coordinator Julie Wallen, the custom is always a crowd pleaser.

“We’ve been doing this for a very long time,” Wallen said, though she added she’s unclear of how many years the ritual has been ongoing. “Last year, it was a very successful event and looking at the weather forecast for this weekend, it appears that it’s going to be another good turnout.”

This year’s parade won’t be without a few changes. Each year, the parade usually sets in motion a day full of everything Halloween for the annual Norwich Pumpkin Festival. Wallen, who also sits on the Pumpkin Festival Committee, said that since the time of Pumpkin Fest was moved to an earlier date this year, the parade will be its own event again, but still promises to invoke the spirit of Halloween for all who participate.