"It's Kind Of Sad": Walpole School Replaces Halloween Parade With Spirit Day, Costumes Not Allowed

CBS Boston

October 27, 2026

Six-year-old Charlie, dressed as Super Mario, has been so excited to show off his costume to teachers and friends at the Elm Street School in Walpole, Massachusetts. But the school's Halloween parade won't step off this year, instead replaced by a black and orange spirit day.

"The principal sent out a note in one of her newsletters saying costumes are not allowed. But the actual parade being canceled was word of mouth through the children," explained parent Liz Campbell.

WBZ covered this same situation in Walpole almost a decade ago, when the Boyden School replaced their parade with black and orange spirit day. Since then, parent committees have organized trunk-or-treats or other events so students can still show off their costumes.

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