ALTON - Mayor David Goins reflected on what it means to see the community come together for the 109th Alton Halloween Parade.
On Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, the Goins family was eager to join the fun with Michael Jackson-themed costumes. Goins’s grandkids walked with him in the parade, and the mayor was happy to celebrate the holiday with his hometown.
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“It’s always a blast. I’ve enjoyed [the parade] ever since I was a kid,” Goins said. “We always like to get into the Halloween spirit, so to speak.”
Goins pointed out that Alton hosts one of the oldest Halloween parades in the country, and he is proud to be a part of that tradition. He loves engaging with the community like this.
2026 marks Goins’s sixth year leading the parade as Alton’s mayor. Goins and his family always dress up for the parade, and he was especially excited for the Michael Jackson theme this year.
As the parade prepared to start, Goins added that the parade is fun, but has a deeper meaning for the community than just a fun night. He hopes the event continues to bring people together.
“Just in spite of all the stuff that's going on in the world, it’s just nice to come together,” he said. “You can forget about that, dress up, have fun, throw candy, and just be part of a wonderful experience.”
