Halloween parade

For the past 38 years, Artistic Director of the Parade, Jeanne Fleming has featured large scale puppets as an integral part of the Halloween Parade in recognition of the rich tradition of puppetry associated with the Parade since its beginning. Twist began his collaboration with Fleming in 1996 when he created a swarm of bats for the 23rd Annual Parade. In 1999 he created a giant spider for the event. Each year the Spider dramatically descends from the Gothic Clock tower of the Jefferson Market Library, just in time to greet the hundreds of puppet volunteers bringing the Parade’s opening performance up Sixth Avenue, under the direction of Official Parade Puppet creators, Processional Arts.

The Spider keeps alive one of Parade founder Ralph Lee’s original neighborhood traditions; puppets manipulated from homes and buildings along the Parade route for the delight of the participants. Each year as the winds of October howl, Twist walks the beloved arachnid, spanning ten feet, through the streets of the west village, up the 149 stairs of this New York landmark to it's perch in the tower. This puppet is a visual treat for those participating in the Parade as well as those lined near the Library who can witness it's annual appearance.

For more information visit Village Halloween website HERE