The Gory Daze parade & events started as a fun thing to do amongst a few friends in 2002. So this is our 20th Year! (We missed one year due to covid).  What started as a small humble event, has turned into WRJ's BIGGEST night of the year! It's not uncommon for 1,000 revelers to dance through the streets of White River Junction on the Saturday before Halloween! Scroll down to see a video, some photos, newspaper clippings and art from the history of our amazing art from past GORY DAZE to give you a taste of WRJ's scariest, craziest, event.

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Donations help us pay for the musicians who play before the parade (Western Terrestrials), musicians who lead the parade (Brass Balagan), and DJs for the Ball (DJ Chele & DJ GenderEnder). It also pays for insurance, our Hartford Police escorts, posters & advertising! Oh, & donuts on strings. 

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The Upper Valley is full of creative, talented, fun people! We have a great community and like to celebrate that community. Please help make GORY DAZE fun for everyone if you can by donating what you can. 

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GORY DAZE SCHEDULE

• Saturday, October 28, 2023

• 6pm-7:45pm  Come on over the bridge after Hartford's Trunk or Treat for family friendly Pre-Parade Party at the MSM with Western Terrestrials and a bonfire. This is a FREE event! (Yes, donuts on strings and candy too!) 

• 7:45pm Parade Line-up in front of The Main Street MUSEUM in Veterans Park
• 8:00pm Parade Departs led by the Brass Balagan!

• 9:00pm REALLY BIG BALL!  This years entertainment provided by DJ Chele & DJ GenderEnder!

Admission: $10. at the door. Cash bar available

 

PRE-PARADE MADNESS

Family Friendly Pre-Parade gathering for a bonfire and dance. The Western Terrestrials invade the MAIN Stage around 6ish. Who knows what monsters lurk around the corners of the MSM? We will have traditional treats and of course, Chico's donuts on strings! Try biting one of those in a mask! 

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THE PARADE

Every year, on or before Halloween, White River Junction and friends from all over the Upper Valley join together in the best costume parade through the village. This year (back by popular demand), the parade will be led by the Brass Balagan! Klezmer music at it's best! Yes, I said Klezmer.

The parade starts at the Main Street Museum (58 Bridge Street) and parade under the railroad, around the village and end at the Hotel Coolidge on South Main. 

Costumes are encouraged and the more home grown the better! Hand pushed floats are also welcomed. The parade is great for kids and adults alike. We love that more people participate than watch by the sidelines! Because EVERYONE is welcome in the Junction!

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ROUTE

The parade starts in front of The Main Street Museum and winds its way around downtown with a Hartford PD escort for safety. The roads are flat, paved with no steep inclines. The total length is .08 mile. The parade usually takes about 45 minutes. (See Map Below...)

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THE REALLY BIG BALL

This year's REALLY BIG BALL is going to be at the Hotel Coolidge (39 South Main St. WRJ) in the BALLroom. DJ's Chele & GenderEnder are in the house! And yes, there will be REALLY BIG BALLS! Entrance is $10 at the door. A cash bar will be available if you have ID. 

 

Click HERE for some great photos in the Valley News a few years back!